Mayor of Harpenden, Beth Fisher, takes a ride on the Hopper
Beth Fisher, Mayor of Harpenden, joined several of the Trustees, volunteer drivers and passengers on the Harpenden Hopper on Tuesday 14th April. Beth knew about the Harpenden Hopper community bus service but wanted to see for herself what it was like, and she also wanted to speak and chat with passengers. Beth embarked on Holly Hopper at Eastmoor Park and rode the route almost all morning. She was joined by Harpenden Connect Chair, Andy Buchanan, and Company Secretary & Trustee, Peter Hart. Noel was our driver for the morning shift.
Several of the Hopper’s regular passengers got on the bus that morning - and initially they were surprised to be greeted by the Mayor of the town with her civic chain gleaming in the sunlight. Beth really got stuck in having lots of dialogue with the passengers, asking them about the Hopper, how they use it and how it helps them. She received fantastic feedback as the Hopper is a lifeline to many of the passengers, many of whom would not realistically be able to get out and about with out. Beth could also see for herself that the Hopper passenger community was thriving.
It is always good to see our elected politicians actively seeking feedback from local people. It must surely help when they need to make decisions that affect us all.
Beth’s visit on the Hopper has enabled her to see that the funds that the Town Council have set aside to fund a replacement minibus are going to be very well used, and appreciated by the local community.
You can see photos from the day below - and also click below to see some videos from the day including one that Beth made herself:
