Uppingham First Community Partnership and CPRE Rutland to launch hopper bus service between Uppingham and Bisbrooke

A new bus service will connect villagers with a town.

The Uppingham First Community Partnership and CPRE Rutland, the countryside charity, will be launching a one month trial of a market day Hopper bus service to Uppingham from Bisbrooke.

The service will link Bisbrooke residents to Uppingham Surgery, Uppingham High Street and the weekly market.

Service timings will also integrate with commercial bus services to Oakham, Stamford and Leicester.

Hopper bus founder and deputy mayor of Uppingham Coun David Ainslie said: “The Uppingham Hopper team is delighted to be offering this new service to our neighbours in Bisbrooke.

"The trial period will establish whether there is sufficient community support and finance for the service to make it a permanent feature for the future.

"Passenger numbers will be closely monitored during the trial period.”

The Bisbrooke trial is the first to be supported by CPRE Rutland in its call for a countywide community bus service.

CPRE Rutland chairperson Ron Simpson BEM described the service as the 'first small step' at connecting villages.

He said: “The charity is now meeting regularly with parish council representatives to address issues of mutual concern.

"The lack of public transport is one of those concerns.

"We are delighted to be working with the Uppingham Hopper team."

Service details are being circulated to villagers.