A trio of new community minibuses now supporting residents thanks to a successful grant scheme.
Tendring Community Transport, Harwich Connexions and Clacton-based youth support charity UTurn4Support each secured funding from Tendring District Council (TDC) to purchase a new vehicle, all of which are now in use across Clacton, Holland and Jaywick Sands.
Pauline Mann, CEO of Tendring Community Transport, said: “We’re so grateful for the funding, which has enabled us to purchase a brand new, fully accessible minibus for people who rely on our service.
“This has replaced one of our oldest vehicles and will be much more reliable.”
Harwich Connexions Manager Debbie Hill said: “Our passengers love the new minibus – it is already very popular with those who use it.
“It is used on our Tendring Shuttle route, which helps people who may be isolated with shopping trips, medical appointments and much more.”
UTurn4Support’s new vehicle has been in use since November and is used to help the young people the group works with access their sessions in Old Road, Clacton, breaking down a major barrier to participation.
Youth Worker Max Hughes said: “It has made a massive difference, allowing us to get the young people to school or college and to go further afield with our reward scheme trips.
“The minibus has hugely expanded what we are able to do. We’re so happy.”
The three vehicles cost more than £180,000 combined, with the funding provided through the Community Regeneration Partnership, part of a wider £20million investment programme from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, delivered locally by the council.
Other projects in the programme include a host of improvements at Clacton Leisure Centre and across Jaywick Sands, as well as thousands of pounds’ worth of shopfront improvements for local businesses.
Councillor Ivan Henderson, TDC Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “Seeing these buses on the road, ready to support our residents, is a really important milestone.
“It shows the real-life impact of Government funding starting to take effect and making a difference to people. It is fantastic that we have been able to support these three groups.”
Click here for more information about the Community Regeneration Partnership.
