Hopper bus set to return

A SIMPLIFIED timetable, new route and slashed prices have been adopted to ensure the return of the Saddleworth Hopper bus is a success.

The future of the scheme seemed uncertain earlier this year, when the Saddleworth Parish Council decided not to fund it after a less than successful first season last summer.

From this weekend the bus is back, ready to ferry visitors from Uppermill through to Dovestone reservoir.

This time the single-decker will simply run every half hour from 11am to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays and bank holidays.

Funded by the Saddleworth and Lees District Partnership the bus will launch this Saturday and run until Monday, August 29, with the option of extending the service into September.

The route will start at the Saddleworth pool, and stop at Uppermill high street outside the Hare and Hounds pub, Greenfield station and the Clarence Hotel before reaching Dovestone reservoir.

Royce Franklin, chair of the Transport and Traffic Group for Saddleworth & Lees, said: “We hope the alterations are sufficiently attractive for Saddleworth residents as well as visitors to the area to use the facility which means car drivers will no longer have to search for a car park space at Dovestone.”

Prices have been lowered to just 30p for adults and 15p for children, making it cheaper than parking at Dovestone, and a special family ticket is £1 for two adults and three children.

Prizes for passengers are also on offer with a year’s free RSPB membership, a family swim at Saddleworth Pool and selection of books and DVDs for Saddleworth Museum up for grabs for those who provide feedback on the service.

A timetable download and information can be found at www.visitoldham.com.

They can also be picked up at the Saddleworth Mu-seum Visitor Information Centre, Oldham Tourist Information Centre, Old-ham Travel Shop, Greenfield train dtation and other key locations in Saddleworth.