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Community Transport Scheme
Currently, this Volunteer Centre operates two individual minibus schemes. With effect from 1 April 07 with the agreement of Leicestershire County Council and an offer of £25,000 additional funding we are enhancing our transport scheme by bringing the Castle Donington Community Bus Scheme under Volunteer Centre management. This will result in a fleet of four minibuses, three of which are able to carry up to 5 people confined to wheelchairs, that will operate throughout Leicestershire. Last year the two schemes travelled 47,000 miles carrying 17,500 passengers.
This merger will provide a fully comprehensive service and allow an effective operation that is able to meet the challenges in the future.
The service is used extensively by many organisations involving elderly and/or disabled people, and particularly by Nursing Homes/Day Centres/Hospices within Leicestershire,. Additionally, transport has been available for those people confined to a wheelchair to meet hospital appointments, transporting wheelchair confined people who require a holiday to respite care homes located at Southport, Southampton, Skegness, Leamington Spa, and Chigwell, local Dial-a-Ride journeys ( see below), and to transport foster children to the seaside for holidays. Subject to availability, the vehicles may be hired by organised groups. A recent quality survey has been undertaken and many complimentary comments have been received from individuals, Day Centres, and local groups.
The primary aim of the service is to provide accessible transport as described above, and we work closely with Social Services transporting clients on their behalf. Secondly, the vehicles are used as mobile information units by visiting the many small and often infrequently served villages within the predominantly rural northern parishes, to promote the Volunteer Centre services. The result of this action has been to stimulate demand for our services for the most vulnerable in our local communities.
The minibus scheme uses the services of volunteer drivers. All drivers have been formally trained and authorised under the Minibus Drivers Awareness Scheme (MIDAS). Although it is Volunteer Centre policy not to transport any vulnerable members of society without a group/organisation representative in attendance, all drivers have received clearance from the Criminal Record Bureau Disclosure Service.
Dial-a-Ride Services
Dial-a-Ride Shopping Services are supported by Leicestershire County Council.
Each Wednesday two buses travel from Castle Donington via Diseworth, Hemington, and Lockington to ASDA and TESCO stores at Long Eaton. Cost £2.00 return
On each Thursday a single bus serves Castle Donington, Lockington,Hemington and visits local shops, Post office, and the Co-0p Superstore in Donington. Cost £1.00 return
Each Friday one bus leaves Castle Donington, calling at Tonge and Breedon for Coalville allowing for time to visit District Council Offices and shopping at Morrisons Superstore.
Cost £2.00 return.
A single bus provides a service to Morrisons Superstore at Coalville every other Tuesday calling at Long Whatton. Cost £2.00 return.
All services are on a door-to-door basis and drivers will carry shopping to the passenger’s home. Wheelchair passengers who wish to use the services should if possible have an escort, if not we will make every effort to provide one.
If you require further information on our transport schemes please contact us at;
Hospital Transport 01332 850526
Community Transport 01332 850742/850526
Fax 01332 850526
e-mail mail @cdvb.org uk
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