PEOPLE across Wiltshire are being given the chance to have their say over the future of the Hopper bus service which was at risk of being axed earlier this year.

Due to the reduction in government funding and pressures on other services the council runs, Wiltshire Council announced last year it was unable to continue to fund service which transports patients to the Royal United Hospital in Bath.

Following discussions with its health partners, funding was found through the Better Care Fund to continue the service until the end of March 2016.

Since then, councillors have been working to find a solution to the funding gap which could result in a reduced service.

They hope that through a consultation, they will be able to hear the views and concerns of users about how the changes will impact on how they get to the Royal United Hospital.

Philip Whitehead, cabinet member for transport, said: “We have made it very clear that we can no longer afford to run this service without the help of our partners and the people and organisations who benefit from the service.

“We know how valuable it is to many people in the community, and we are keen to work with them and our partners to help keep a service running.”

Earlier this year Wiltshire Council, the Clinical Care Group (CCG), the RUH and GWH allocated money from the Better Care Fund to provide a service until the end of the current financial year.

It is also anticipated that Wiltshire Council will prepare a case to seek further funding to keep the Hopper running beyond this date, however it could require a reduction in the annual subsidy to make it more affordable.

The Hopper, which costs Wiltshire Council £150,000 a year to run, currently provides a door-to-door service to and from the hospital every hour on Monday to Fridays between 7.20am-5.30pm.

Originally the service was jointly funded by Wiltshire Council, the NHS and the government. When funding from the government and the NHS ceased a few years later, Wiltshire Council continued to fund the service.

The consultation runs until November 27 at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/wiltshire-hopper-survey.

Copies will also be available on the Hopper or by calling 0345 456 0100.