VOLUNTEERS are calling for a community to rally round a new lifeline bus service.

In the face of cuts to many rural bus services across North Yorkshire the Bedale Minibus Project has taken on a new vehicle which will run alongside their existing bus.

The 14 seater Renault bus which cost £33,244 has been paid for with grant funding through the Department of Transport.

The project is an independent charity, set up in November 2014 with a group of trustees and its own local office. They say with a fleet of two vehicles the community minibus is able to offer an improved service.

Both buses have internal chair lifts for wheelchair users and people with mobility problems. They can be hired by local groups or individuals and come with voluntary drivers and escorts or groups can also use their own drivers with appropriate licences and ability.

Chair of the trustees Richard Tilley said: “This is an exciting development for our new charity and we are looking forward to being able to offer an even better service to the people of Bedale and its surrounding villages.

“Community transport projects are increasingly valuable especially in rural areas such as ours where public transport services are becoming more and more difficult to sustain. We are grateful to the Department of Transport for making this grant available to ours and to similar schemes across the country.”

The charity currently has 27 volunteers who have all undertaken special Minibus Driver Awareness training, and are on the lookout for more people to help them run the service. The training ensures that volunteers have the confidence and the competence to drive a larger vehicle.

Training is also given through in house instructors in how to operate the vehicle tail lifts, safely load and secure wheelchairs. Special training is given to both drivers and escorts in how to assist people with mobility difficulties and other needs. Volunteers must be over 21 who have driven for a minimum of two years.

Mayor of Bedale Cllr Christine Mollard said:”This is a lifeline service for a lot of older and disabled people, although it is obviously for everyone to use, and it is so important that people know about it and that it is used.

“There are so many smaller villages which have had their service buses taken off, so this will provide vital transport, I would really urge people to use it.”

For information contact Bedale Community Minibus office at Oak House, 35 North End, Bedale, DL8 1AQ, Monday to Friday 9.30am to 12.00 or phone 01677 425329, email: bedalecommunityminibus@btconnect.com