VOLUNTEER drivers are needed to help the elderly and community groups get on the buses in Longlevens.

After months of fundraising, Longlevens Neighbourhood Partnership is finally awaiting the arrival of the new community bus. But they need help to get people from A to B.

Denzil Williams, chairman of the mini-bus committee, said: "We have been looking at getting the bus for a long time and it was originally launched by the partnership's chairperson Kelly Bartlett.

"But it is finally on its way and we are now in the process of getting the community involved.

"We are looking at taking people around from the library, Kendal Road Baptist Church luncheon club, rugby, football, Scouts, Cubs. We want the whole Longlevens community to use it."

The bus is due on March 1 but the partnership needs drivers to come forward to help them get the project up and running.

Parking

Mr Williams added: "We need volunteer drivers to come to us and we will always need two people on the bus at once to help if there is a problem on the bus or to help people on and off.

"We also need somewhere with secure parking where we can keep the bus overnight and would appreciate help from anyone."

The £33,000 bus was bought with money from the Youth Capital Fund and fundraising events in the area.

Steve Austin-Sparks, chairman of the partnership, and Pastor at Kendal Road Baptist Church said the transport would help more people use facilities in the area.

He said: "We are thrilled to be getting it, thrilled that it is going to come after months of hard work and we are looking forward to seeing it out and about in Longlevens.

"We have a luncheon club for the elderly and we need drivers to help bring those who are lonely and housebound to the club where they can enjoy other people's company and get out of their normal surroundings.

"Our youth are also planning trips in the new bus as are other groups in the neighbourhood."

■ Anyone who would like to volunteer should call The Citizen on 01452 420 649 for more details.