03/11/03 - New Community Minibus for Copeland

At 12pm on Friday 7thNovember at The Brown Cow, Waberthwaite, Copeland Local Committee Chairman Ronnie Calvin launches the Muncaster Microbus.  The Local Committee, Countryside Agency and Muncaster Microbus Ltd, have financed the vehicle.  The minibus will be available for community groups to use through Copeland Brokerage Scheme, which enables voluntary groups and organisations to hire accessible affordable transport.  The move promotes the social inclusion of communities and confirms the County Council’s commitment to community transport.  

County Councillor Ronnie Calvin is looking forward to the event on Friday.  He says   

“I am delighted to have been asked to launch this new minibus. The Local Committee is please that it has been able to play a part in funding the bus.  Community groups need to be able to get out and about in affordable and accessible vehicles.  Community owned mini buses provide added value and enable access to activities that enhance people’s lives such as learning, health care and sport.  The need for the bus has been clearly identified by the community through the Neighbourhood Forums and I am sure it will be well used.  

The County Council is committed to encouraging the use of community transport schemes and the Copeland Brokerage Scheme, co-ordinated by North Cumbria Community Transport is a good example of what can be achieved by working together.  The mini bus will be based in Ravenglass and will be operated by the Brokerage and Muncaster Microbus Ltd.” 

Any community group who would like to register a minibus with the scheme or who has a transport need should contact the co-ordinator, Helen Sullivan on 01946 812777.