A Northallerton-based charity which provides activities for people with learning difficulties has taken delivery of a new Government-funded minibus.
Breathing Space Hambleton and Richmondshire was presented with its new 16-seater minibus by Richmond MP Rishi Sunak. The bus was paid for by the Department of Transport’s £25m Community Transport Minibus Fund.
He said: “I was delighted to see the group’s new minibus which will help Breathing Space with its continuing good work with the community in Northallerton and district.
“This is is the seventh community minibus in the Richmond constituency paid for under the 2015 round of funding.”
As well as helping transport Breathing Space’s members to and from a range of leisure activities, the bus will also be used a range of community organisations in the area, including Northallerton Methodist Church and Age Concern.
Liz Crossley, a member of Breathing Space’s management committee, said the new bus would replace a 10-year-old model which had clocked up 120,000 miles.
“The old bus was beginning to cost us money to maintain so the new vehicle will be a tremendous asset,” she said.
Other organisations to benefit from the Community Transport Minibus Fund this year were Bedale Community Minibus, Appleton Wiske Community Minibus, Upper Wensleydale Community Transport, Reeth and District Community Transport, Stokesley Community Care Association and the St John’s Community Centre, Catterick Garrison.
Breathing Space Hambleton and Richmondshire is seeking new volunteers to help with its work. Contact chair Anne Alder on 01609 7703012.