A BRAND new slimline mini bus is due to come into operation in Tavistock this September, allowing greater access to community groups and individuals in the area.

The £37,000 community bus will replace the current one operated by Tavistock Area Support Services (TASS) from its base at the Anchorage Centre.

The investment has been made by Devon County Council, through central government funding designed to regenerate rural areas and 'reach the unreachable'.

Andy Lyle, general manager at TASS, said: 'We've gone from a 15-seater bus to a nine-seater, and brought the tail-lift in.

'Because it's smaller, we can access the narrow lanes and some of the small roads in Tavistock which we couldn't manage with the old bus.

'It also means we won't ground it in some places, which was another problem we had.

'Plus, it can be driven on a normal driving licence, which will open up a whole new volunteer base.'

Andy said the new bus would be much more accessible to the individuals and groups which made such good use of the transport service, which is fully wheelchair accessible.

'It will be a proper community resource.

Andy said the smaller bus had also been much cheaper to fund — a new 15-seater bus would have cost £68,000.

TASS will take delivery of the new bus on September 1.