AS reported previously in the 'Post', the Community Trans­port Group launched a six-month trial service for the Holsworthy Hospital Ho­ppa Bus to establish the demand at a subsidised cost and in order to prevent the service from stopping entirely due to a lack of use.

However, to show that there is still need for the service, the timetable has been revised.

Martin Prentice said: "We have decided to extend the Hoppa trial until the end of March, 2010 in an attempt to show that there is a need for this service. However, if the numbers using the service do not increase significantly then the service will cease at the end of March."

As a result of feedback and an analysis of the statistics a number of important changes have been made to the service.

These changes include: First trip from Holsworthy will be at 6.30am instead of 8am now arriving at North Devon District Hospital (NDDH) at 7.30am.

Pick-up from Hols­worthy, Holsworthy Beacon, Milton Damerel, Stibbs Cross and Torrington instead of just Holsworthy and Torrington.

Last journey leaving NDDH at 6pm instead of 5.35pm.

Journeys need to be pre-booked but no need for 48 hours' notice.

The service will be more flexible during the day depending on appointment times rather than running to a fixed timetable.

Martin added: "We want people to tell us what their appointment times are and we will accommodate as many as possible."

The revised service will run with immediate effect and for more information contact the North Tamar Community Tra­nsport Association on 01409 259001.