Shildon Community Bus is the proud owner of a new replacement minibus.
The charity has purchased a Mercedes Sprinter 517CDi which is fully automatic and has boot space for luggage and shopping.
The total cost of the bus before signage and insurance was £98,700.
This was met by generous donations from the public, existing savings, the sale of the older of their two buses and a grant of £69,090.
The grant was provided by Durham County Council’s Capital Grant Funding for community transport vehicle purchases.
A spokesperson said: “Shildon Community Bus is very grateful for the support and guidance provided by Adam Robinson of Durham County Council.
“Adam handed over the new bus to them on Monday, 15 September.
“As the bus is fully automatic, a training officer will be scheduling familiarisation sessions with each volunteer driver to ensure the safety of the public and the bus itself.
“Applications for volunteer drivers and volunteer adminsitrators are always welcomed.
“If you are involved with a social group in the area of Shildon and the surrounding towns and villages, why not ask for information to register as an affiliate group?
“You can then use the mini bus for social and educational outing.
“Shildon Community Bus would once again like to thank everyone who has made this purchase possible.”
For further information, you can contact the bus office on 01388 773666 or email shildonbus[@]yahoo[.]com.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
