IT was with deepest regret that Melksham people learned of the Wiltshire County Council's decision to axe the funding of the Bath RUH Hopper service.

We are all aware of the good bus service provided from Melksham by Badgerline to the hospital which able-bodied people can use but for the less able and people in very poor health the Badgerline bus service is just not suitable (and what of the surrounding area where bus services are poor or virtually non-existent?).

We know of many people in this area who have been diagnosed with serious and life-threatening illnesses, such as cancer, who require many journeys to the RUH for assessment, surgery and later attendance for chemo and radiotherapy for as much as five times a week for periods of over five weeks.

For them the Hopper has been one of the few good things they have had to help them through a most difficult period when they have not had the energy or ability to face bus queues Cllr Terry Chivers realises this and suggests the only hope for these patients is help from friends and neighbours.

Does he not realise that many of our elderly residents do not have relatives nearby and are not always able to impose on their friends to commit to such long periods of help?

As Terry Chivers says, the decision was made without consultation and it is hoped that presented with a few hard facts the WCC will now reconsider their decision.

Surely even at this stage something can be done to keep this vital service to our community.

I Dixon, Melksham