AN upper dale community transport scheme has welcomed a brand new bus to replace one that is no longer fit for purpose.
The vehicle, which was delivered to Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services (Utass) earlier this month, was custom built by South Shields firm Vic Young Ltd.
It also features an internally stored tail-lift to provide access for wheelchair users.
Grace Crawford, from Utass, said the bus it replaces was the first bought for the community transport project in 2010.
She added: “We have always made sure the buses are accessible, but there has been an issue with the tail-lift on the current bus that this one is replacing because it was externally stored, so it hasn’t lasted as well as it should have.
“The other bus has a ramp access which just isn’t as nice for people to use to get wheelchairs into the bus. Also, for wheelchair passengers it isn’t the nicest experience.
“This is a lot better for accessibility and use for all.”
The bus can seat 14 people, while the second bus, bought in 2016, can carry ten.
Along with transporting people to Utass activities they are also used by various groups and organisations including a local walking football team, Rainbows, Scouts, WI and schools.
In the past year the buses have covered 7,000 miles providing a community transport service.
Ms Crawford said: “The whole project is possible because we have a fantastic team of volunteer drivers who are willing to give their time towards providing a service for community transport.”
More than a dozen people offer their time to support the scheme.
The bus conversion cost £55,975 and was made possible by a £38,342.50 grant from Durham County Council’s Local Transport Plan and £12,000 from Teesdale Action Partnership’s area budget.
County councillors Richard Bell and Ted Henderson contributed £2,000 each from their neighbourhood budgets and Utass provided £432.50 of its own funds.
