Bus hopper is a flopper

Saddleworth Parish Council meeting reports

A trial bus service launched by the Saddleworth Parish Council is struggling to attract passengers.

The Saddleworth Hopper, a loop service that runs at weekends between Greenfield station, Dovestone and Uppermill, was launched in June and aimed to provide a convenient link for locals and tourists.

But councillors say the uptake so far has been low.

Councillor John Hudson said: “Every bus that goes past has been empty.

“We have to give it a chance to get off the ground but it is getting to the point where people are stopping me and saying that it is a waste of money.

“I really want the scheme to be a success but in difficult times people will question it.”

Councillor Ken Hulme welcomed the scheme, arguing that the council needed to take chances to see new projects become a success and agreed with other councillors that more awareness of the service is needed.

Councillor Brian Lord said: “If you were not from the area or had not been given one of the leaflets you would not know that a park and ride service was available.

“We need large, clear signs to let people know about the service.”

The bus goes to Dovestone 12 times a day from 10.55am on Saturdays and 11.10am on Sundays, with a park and ride service available from Saddleworth Rangers car park.

Councillor Barbara Beeley said: “People need to be aware that they can hop on and off without going all around the houses.”

Council clerk, Tony Marlor, confirmed that passenger numbers are being monitored each weekend.