New minibus to help Locks Heath's elderly get out
A community group has a new minibus which will help the elderly and the disabled get out and about.
Locks Heath Communicare Association has been able to buy the 13-seat specially adapted vehicle after receiving grants of 5,000 from Hampshire County Council and 2,000 from Fareham Borough Council.
The remainder of the money had been raised by the association over several years.
The minibus has a passenger lift to accommodate wheelchair users and will be used to transport residents to social activities such as lunch clubs.
Councillor Mel Kendal, in charge of travel matters for the county, said: 'Community transport schemes like this are a lifeline for many people without their own transport or a suitable public transport alternative.
'It is particularly good that there is such a facility for elderly residents of the Locks Heath community who may be living alone and not have the benefit of having family close by.'
Councillor Sen Woodward, leader of Fareham Borough Council, said: 'Helping the vulnerable people in our community to attend facilities and clubs, by providing them with the necessary transport, is essential.'
Philip Lockwood, chairman of the association, added: 'Passengers are delighted with the new bus and so are the volunteer drivers, who are being trained to MiDAS standards. We are grateful to the volunteer drivers who help to provide this service but would welcome new volunteers to keep the service going.'
For more information or to volunteer call (01489) 559697.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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