Malarkey's 47 is basically a slight revision of the old 46A service omitting Pont and Leadgate. It would however offer a slightly quicker alternative to services 45/46 depending on route.
If I lived in Blackhall Mill or Chopwell I don't think I'd appreciate my bus having to go through Winlaton and Blaydon as well as the Gill, especially when the alternative (Service 11) goes through Greenside, Crawcrook and Ryton - seemingly taking an age to do so. If these services were going to be amalgamated in some way, I think I'd want my bus to run direct between High Spen and Winlaton via Barlow.
RE: Go North East: Service Suggestions