SIR - It was interesting to read in the Herald of September 23, that the Sidmouth Hopper bus has carried in excess of its 10,000th free passenger.

As someone has to pay for this service, could not a token payment of �1 be made towards what is a very pleasant and comfortable ride one may otherwise not experience?

One cannot buy an ice cream for �1 and this small charge would go towards the running costs or, perhaps, the ever-spiralling plants etc for Britain in Bloom.

We all love to see the flowers and it goes a long way towards promoting our lovely little town.

Jillian Downer

Tyrrell Mead, Sidmouth

ED: Sidmouth Town Council confirmed the Hopper bus was always meant to be a free service and is funded through grants and sponsorship by local businesses. However, donations are welcomed and can be sent to the council at Woolcombe House, Sidmouth.

Making a charge would mean the Hopper would have to be licensed as a regular bus service with all the bureaucratic red tape that would involve.