A NEW mini bus is on the cards for a Tavistock charity, whose elderly vehicle is reaching the end of its useful life. Tavistock Area Support Services uses its bus to transport elderly people in outlying rural areas into and out of Tavistock for activities at The Anchorage Centre, and for day trips. Andy Lyle, manager of TASS, said: 'Our old Ford had been causing problems after covering over 230,000 miles. 'Exmouth Community Transport took delivery of a new minibus recently, which meant their existing bus became available — we were offered to purchase their older bus as a replacement.' Mr Lyle said he approached the town council, Tavistock's county councillor, West Devon Borough Council and a trust fund in order to help raise the money needed to purchase the second-hand bus. During a meeting of the town council last week, the town's finance committee agreed to grant TASS £1,000 towards the new bus. Town mayor Anne Johnson said: 'I would just like to say how valuable the work of TASS is. Their present bus has done a huge number of miles, they do need a newer model and I wouldn't like to see them without a mini bus.' The decision was due to be ratified by the full council at its meeting on Tuesday night. The town council's grant, along with a grant from the borough council for £1,650, £1,500 from the county council and £1,000 from the Viscount Amory Trust means a replacement bus for TASS should soon be a reality. Andy Lyle said: 'I am pleased that within four weeks, we have achieved our goal and all things being equal we will have a replacement for the Ford soon. 'It is a wonderful example of town council, borough council and county council all coming together to make a difference to local people in a positive way by funding this much needed transport for older people living in Tavistock and the surrounding areas, giving them hope for a brighter tomorrow'.
