A NEW service providing much needed affordable transport is being launched.

Jo Oliver, Totally Socially Locality worker for Ryedale, has been working with Station Taxis to develop a new village “hopper” service, which will initially link Langton and the surrounding villages to Norton and Malton.

Station Taxis, which is based near Malton Railway Station, will be running a “book and ride” minibus service, from Burythorpe to Malton, with pick-ups in Langton and Birdsall, once a day, Mondays to Fridays. The cost of each journey will be £2.50.

Lisa Ridsdale, from Station Taxis, said: “We are excited to be trialling the Langton hopper. If this is successful there is a real potential to develop the service to cover more areas, including Amotherby and Swinton, the villages along the A64, such as Wintringham, Rillington, West Heslerton and West Lutton, plus further afield to include Slingsby, Pickering, Thornton-le-Dale and Brompton. Anyone wanting to book a seat on the hopper just needs to phone us the night before their journey.”

Totally Socially is a locally- based project which focuses on supporting individuals and groups at grass roots level to develop projects and activities that meet the needs that they have identified in the places that they live.

Jo said: “The need for the hopper arose following listening to people’s concerns about the continued cuts to public transport out to the villages, which has left many feeling cut off and isolated.

“The service will be launched tomorrow (Thursday) and we hope local people will take advantage of it.”

Jo is also holding a drop-in session every Thursday, from 10am to noon, at Norton Hive Library and Community Hub. Alternatively, for more information ring 07375 668996 or email jo.oliver@cavca.org.uk. To book hopper, phone Station Taxis, 01653 696969.