TWO community transport services from the Knutsford area have each won their bid for a new minibus from the Department of Transport.

Knutsford and High Leigh community transport associations are two of more than 300 groups who successfully applied for the minibus funding.

The minibuses are a vital part of the community and are used by groups for a number of different reasons including taking people to hospital appointments, outings, fundraising activities and trips for school children as well as other activities

The Guardian told Jane Webster, chair of the Knutsford community transport association, that their minibus bid was successful.

“That’s fantastic news,” said Jane.

“There was a lot of funding available and the application was done by our financial secretary, John Mills and we were quite optimistic about it.

“It will really benefit us as the current minibus is over a certain weight and finding drivers is difficult as they have to be over 30 and under 70-years-old to drive it.

“A new minibus will mean we can find more drivers for the service.

"That will be a great help not only for groups who currently use it but new groups who wish to access the service.”

Jerome Evans, co-ordinator for High Legh community transport, started the service when the school bus stopped running to Lymm School.

“Parents were told by the council that because the school is under three miles away the bus service would no longer run and children would have to walk to Lymm School from High Legh,” said Jerome.

“I had a private hire bus so I started to run the children to school.

“I bought a new one because we need two buses for the afternoon run."

Both associations have specified the type of vehicle they need for their service.

High Legh Community Transport have asked for a 16-seater bus with mobility access that is low to the ground for easy access for the elderly.

Jane Webster added: “We did specify the vehicle that is right for us and when we get it it will make a huge difference.

“I’m sure it will come with a tailgate which is very important to get the wheelchairs on and off the bus.”