TAVISTOCK Area Support Services (TASS) has taken delivery of a new community wheelchair-accessible mini bus, thanks to the support of Tavistock and local parishes.

West Devon Borough Council's TAP fund (Towns and Parishes) helped to purchase the new vehicle, with Buckland Monachorum taking the lead in the application.

Susan Woollacott, of Buckland Monachorum Parish Council, said: 'We were pleased to support such a worthwhile project, a project that will benefit all the local parishes in helping get people out and about.

'This vehicle, with the larger tail lift, will mean more people can get out and about, including those who are wheelchair users.'

Andy Lyle, manager of TASS, said: 'We are thrilled to have this vehicle on the road working to support people living in Tavistock and outlying parishes.

'The vehicle is fitted with a bariatric tail lift, which means we can now transport larger wheelchairs safely — this is the first community transport group to have such a tail lift in Devon.

'TASS would like to thank the parish councils for their support and especially Sue at Buckland Monachorum for pulling the bid together.

'TASS is very much a community resource and we do appreciate the support the community gives to TASS in helping us give people hope for a brighter tomorrow.'

Cllr Robert Sampson, West Devon Borough Council's community services chairman, said: 'We are delighted to be able to support the new mini bus through both our community projects fund and the West Devon town and parish fund.

'The new vehicle will make a big difference to local communities and allow TASS to help even more people avoid loneliness, depression and isolation by getting out and about.'

MP for West Devon Geoffrey Cox said: 'TASS provides an invaluable service to the vulnerable and elderly in the Tavistock area and I am delighted that it has this new minibus, supported by the local parishes and West Devon, with which to continue reaching out to many local people in need.

'We are incredibly fortunate to have TASS and its staff and volunteers in Tavistock dedicating so much time and energy to the welfare of others.'

Paul Barber of GM Coachwork said that GM provides specialist wheelchair vehicles and was please to deliver the new vehicle to TASS.

GM Coachwork supports community transport in Devon through providing vehicles built to the specification of each group to meet the different challenges faced in rural communities.

If you are interested in community transport and how you might be able to help, please call into the Anchorage Centre or contact Andy Lyle on 01822 616958 or email [email protected]">[email protected]