A NEW ‘hopper bus’ is to run from Otley to Menston.

Residents at Garnett Wharfe had hoped a bus service to the nearest railway station would be included as part of the redevelopment of the former Garnett paper mill site by David Wilson Homes.

When that didn’t happen they contacted their local MP Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West) who raised the issue on their behalf. Now the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) has told Mr Sobel that a new hopper service, the 963, is to start - hopefully before the end of the year.

Run by Connexions Buses the service will operate from Monday to Saturday, roughly hourly, between Garnett Wharfe and Otley bus station with some peak-time journeys extending to and from Menston station.

The WYCA had hoped the service would start this month but the start date has had to be pushed back. Mr Sobel said: “It is great news this service will be running and I hope it commences as soon as possible.

“I am pleased the Combined Authority and David Wilson Homes have now confirmed the service. This is another small but significant part of our community-led solution to transform cycling, walking and public transport.”

Some 194 houses and 44 apartments were created as part of the Garnett Wharfe riverside development.