RESIDENTS Staindrop have launched a drive to raise £20,000 to buy a community bus.
Cheap transport could soon be available to villagers if enough money can be found to buy an eight-seater mini bus. The idea is that anyone in the parish, including those who live in South Cleatlam, Langleydale and Shotton, will be able to use the vehicle to get to medical appointments, visit family or go on a shopping trip.
Resident Morris Race will be one of a group of trustees who will ensure that the vehicle is looked after.
He said: “About £20,000 is needed to buy a secondhand eight-seater mini bus.
“Then in a few years’ time we will be looking to build up a pot and go electric and maybe get a 12-seater. We have started with that size because you can drive it with a normal licence.
“It will be there to reduce isolation for every age group and be at the village’s disposal for the good of the village. The bus will belong to the village the same as the Scarth Hall belongs to the village.”
The project is being sponsored by Staindrop Freemasons and Louis Smith Motors. However, donations are being sought from other businesses and villagers.
Trustee Jean Cashman said: “They are wanting to build more houses around the village. That means more people and we are an ageing population. This is not just for pensioners. It is for everyone in the village. It is a project we have had in mind for a long time.”
Plans for the bus also include regular theatre and shopping trips, as well as it being available for private hire when it is not in use.
Trustee Sue Stamp said: “We are thinking of running groups to the theatre in Darlington and groups to Northallerton and Newcastle. We are trying to cut down on cars too. From a environmental point of view, it is better to just have one bus.”
The trustees will maintain the bus and run it on behalf of the village. Charges will apply to cover the cost of insurance, diesel and maintenance.
The fundraising will be kickstarted with the first of a number of car boot sales in the village on April 18. A family music and beer festival is planned for August 21, 22 and 23 and a race night is also in the pipeline. Volunteer drivers are being sought to help operate the community service. Anyone interested must have a clean driving licence.
Mr Race added: “We have heard nothing but positive comments about it. We hope to have it within two years.”
Any donations should be handed into Staindrop Post Office. For more information contact Mr Race on 07821 160223 or email morris
