A brand new, £44,000 community minibus had its official launch in Holbeach on Saturday.
The VW Crafter is fully kitted out to VOSA standards and has a tailgate lift so disabled people and wheelchair users can get on board with ease.
People in Holbeach were able to see the new minibus for the first time on Saturday morning when it was parked in High Street and the official launch took place in the afternoon at Holbeach United’s social club.
Lincolnshire County Council gave £25,000 towards the cost and guests at the launch included Coun William Webb, the executive member for highways and transport, and Nina Lightfoot, the county council’s accessibility transport officer.
Coun Martin Howard, who chairs Holbeach and District Community Vehicle Committee, said: “A big thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years, and particularly Coun Webb and Ms Lightfoot for their confidence and support in our committee and the generous grant, which contributed to us being able to get the new bus for the benefit of social groups in and around Holbeach.”
There has been a Holbeach bus in and around the town for around 30 years and the new vehicle is the third to take to the road thanks to generous community support.
It will serve communities within a ten mile radius of Holbeach crossroads.
Committee treasurer Chris Brandon-King said the county council has a brokerage scheme that allows social groups access to a variety of community vehicles.
He said: “If the one nearest to where they are based is booked, another one nearby may be available.”
l Groups who want to hire the bus can call 01406 422825.