MELKSHAM’S Community bus service has added to its fleet of vehicles with two brand new modern 16-seater buses.
Melksham Community Transport was able to buy the new low floor, easy access buses thanks to a grant from the Government’s £25million Community Transport Minibus Fund.
The news is a boost for the service which has continued to grow since it began with only one bus 30 years ago. The group now has five buses and transports 20,000 local residents a year.
Bus manager George Brown, who has been with the scheme for over 15 years said, “We’re delighted with the additional buses. We needed to replace two older buses but without the grant this wouldn’t have been possible. We did have to put £55,000 of our funds in to pay for the buses, but the grant was a huge boost.
“The service is vital for a lot of people and they would be lost without it. The vehicles have given the group a new lease of life.
“The new buses will allow more people to get out to appointments, excursions and to the shops. Being brand new, the vehicles are also more comfortable and will be a huge benefit to many people.”
David Hogg, chairman of Melksham Council of Community Buses said, “This is another important step forward and we’re very pleased. Thanks must go to George for all his hard work in organising it all. He doesn’t seek glory but he gets results.
“For a lot of people, the bus is the only way they can socialise and get out of the house, meet other passengers and make friends. It is a huge benefit to the community.
The Melksham Council of Community Services are always looking for new volunteers to join their team.
To find out more contact Melksham Tourist Information Centre on 707424 or visit www.mccs.org.uk
