A free pick up service is being launched in Handforth next month to ensure that disabled and elderly people in Handforth are not isolated when their usual bus service was withdrawn..
The free service is being launched by the Mobility and Access Group (MAG) and came about after Cheshire East Council donated a minibus to the charity to help Handforth residents.
The bus seats 12 people and came equipped with a Tail-Lift for wheelchair or scooter users. The free service will run between Handforth Dean, Wythenshawe, Morrisons in Cheadle and Stockport - allowing people to go shopping, attend social events or visit others in hospital.
There will be designated pick up points via The Paddock, Oakmere car park, Spath Lane and the Lakes estate. The bus will be free to use and special arrangements can be made for more vulnerable people.
Trustee Beryl Chapman said "We are starting Magbus because the 378 was withdrawn from Handforth leaving vulnerable residents isolated."
Tatton MP Esther McVey met with three of the four trustees: Rev Steve Burmester, Ros Fox and Beryl Chapman, (the fourth being Lillian Selby) and praised their community spirit for giving up their time to to help each other.
Ms McVey said: " The generous donation of a bus by the council and then help from local businesses and further afield, to refit it to meet specific needs, will benefit so many people as they will no longer will be isolated and able to take advantage of the scheme to get about.
"The work MAG do is fantastic but they need help and I would urge anyone with some free time and who is confident in driving a minibus will offer to volunteer."
People who would like to talk about becoming a volunteer driver for a couple of hours a month or who may be in a position to help sponsor the bus should ring Mrs Beryl Chapman on 01625 52556
Beryl Chapman added "We will be having an opening ceremony at Handforth Dean in April attended by Esther McVey, date to be announced when we have enough voluntary drivers. We will pay expenses."
Photo: (l-r) Beryl Chapman, Ros Fox, Esther McVey and Rev Steve Burmester.
