Sidmouth Hopper bus service opened by new town council leader

Sidmouth Town Council is pleased to announce the ever popular Sidmouth Hopper Bus is in service again for the 2019 summer season and it now offers an hourly service with an extended route.

Ian Barlow, Sidmouth Town Council's new Chair, on his first official engagement, attended the opening of the service this morning and was joined by Councillor Kelvin Dent, David Wheaton from Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce, Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary Visitor Engagement Manager John Crouch and Sidmouth Town Clerk, Chris Holland.

The town council is the Hopper Service's main sponsor with support from Sidmouth businesses including, Kings Garden and Leisure, The Donkey Sanctuary and Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce.

Ian Barlow, the new Chair of Sidmouth Town Council, was at the official opening today (May 29) and paid tribute to the hard work of Councillor Kelvin Dent, he said: "Well done to Kelvin for organising this important service. It will enable more tourists to come into the town which will drive business.

"It will also enable Sidmouth residents without their own transport to get to the garden centre and other locations around town."

Kelvin Dent, town councillor and organiser for the Sidmouth Hopper Bus Service, said: "This is a really nice joint enterprise between the town council and Sidmouth businesses who have contributed financially to this service including, Kings Garden Centre, The Donkey Sanctuary, the caravan parks and Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce."

The Hopper Bus will enable Sidmouth residents and holidaymakers to easily access Kings Garden Centre.

Ethan King of Kings Garden Centre said: "Kings are proud to have sponsored the local Hopper bus, and a warm welcome awaits you at our Sidmouth Garden Centre and Restaurant."

The service stops at the following locations: Mutter's Moor and Peak Hill, Manor Road Car Park, Sidmouth Bus Triangle and Museum, All Saint's Road, Exeter Cross, Whitton Court, Woolbrook Road, Kings Garden Centre, Waitrose, Sidford Cross and Kings Down Tail Holiday Park.

The Hopper Bus Service will be running during Sidmouth Folk Festival, August 2-9, helping festival goers get to and from the event.

Sidmouth Hopper Bus Service is operated by Dartline Coaches for Sidmouth Town Council and will operate from May 25 until September 1.

There is a nominal fare of £1 per journey for adults, 50p for children and 50p for dogs, except assistance dogs. Please also note concessionary bus passes are not accepted on this service.

To see a full timetable click the red button below for more information.

Picture One: (L to R) Sidmouth Town Council Chair Ian Barlow, Councillor Kelvin Dent, the Donkey Sanctuary's John Crouch, Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce's David Wheaton and Town Clerk Chris Holland.

Picture Two: The Sidmouth Hopper Bus.

Picture Three: Kings Garden Centre.