Save the Hopper

This is a vital service for local people that takes them directly from their home address right to the RUH Bath.

The wide support that was manifest in the spring of this year was sufficient to cause the Wiltshire Council Leadership and the NHS to reconsider their proposals to axe this valuable and much appreciated service.

Once again, thank you.

However, as anticipated, the powers that be have now put forward new proposals to limit the Hopper service or even totally axe it.

The proposals on limiting it include cuts in its frequency plus increasing the charges for the Hopper.

We concede that there may be a case with altering the frequency, but would ask that the RUH consequently allows greater flexibility with outpatients’ appointments.

When it comes to increasing charges we are strongly opposed.

Apparently the charge would go up to £16 for a return journey.

To be fair there is a reduction to £12for those with a concessionary fare card.

Nonetheless, a considerable number of Hopper users go to the RUH a number of times a week.

Any increase would make the cost prohibitive for them prevent them using the Hopper.

Hence, we urge all those who value the Hopper to robustly object to this proposal.

It goes without saying that we are categorically opposed to the total curtailing of the Hopper service. We sincerely hope that the wider public adopts a similar stance.

There are a number of way in which people can express their opinion on this important matter: 1. Contact your local councillor and MP to let them know the strength of your feelings.

2. There is our new online petition http://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ruh-hopper.

Please be aware that this is an absolutely new petition.

So if you signed the earlier one, please make sure that you now sign this one.

3. Wiltshire Council has a questionnaire on the Hopper. This can be accessed at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/wiltshire-hopper-survey. Please complete this bearing in mind the points that we have touched upon.

The only way the vital Hopper service can be saved is by local people showing the strength of their feelings in the methods outlined above.

Also talk to your friends.

Ask them to support the Save The Hopper campaign.

Helen Osborn, Jeff Osborn Independent Wiltshire Councillors, Chepston Place, Trowbridge