THE Blackdowns has a new minibus service – thanks to a hard-working team of volunteers and local generosity.

The replacement for the old CBO Community Bus was delivered to Churchinford last Monday.

The Blackdowns Community Bus will provide affordable transport for residents of all 40 parishes in the Blackdown Hills area, which suffers from a lack of public passenger services.

In particular, the scheme hopes to help those from isolated areas who need transport due to age, sickness or disability.

Charity chairman Charlie Hopcraft said: “People eventually became unwilling to hire the old bus once it was uncertain whether it would make it up the hill from Taunton.

“When the clutch failed, it was taken off the road and a fundraising campaign was begun.

“Thanks to the sterling efforts of the committee, and the magnificent generosity of local groups and individuals, we have been able to buy a used 13/14 seat minibus in excellent condition.

“We are now working on our pricing policy, which will probably be about £75 a day plus fuel, because to cover our running and administration costs we need to hire out the bus at least 40 times a year at that amount.

“So please spread the word and book your trips now!”

Ken Pearson, a volunteer driver for the charity and its secretary, said: “There is a serious unmet and increasing need for small transport provision in rural areas with narrow lanes and an ageing and non-driving population, often with limited individual finances, so community transport such as this is vital.”

The charity would like to hear from volunteer drivers and welcomes applications from anyone to hire the bus. It can be contacted by phone on 07762 813967, on its Facebook page – search for Blackdown Hills Minibus – or email [email protected]