A COMMUNITY minibus has ceased after 20 years because of a lack of volunteer drivers.

Cheshire Community Council took over the running of the Malpas minibus in 2004, when the service was first threatened due to a shortage of volunteers.

It struggled on but at the end of last month stopped operating as a Saturday shopper service to Wrexham.

In the past it had also operated as a Dial-a-Ride service for villagers in Malpas, Cholmondeley, Bickley, Tilston and surrounding areas two days a week.

Cheshire County Council, which funds the bulk of the costs, has paid a driver to take older people to Malpas Day Centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays - but this service is also under threat.

The community council is confident a transport service will be maintained to the day centre and hopes a volunteer car scheme can take up the slack for other journeys.

Ray Dodd, deputy chief executive of the community council, said 83-year-old John Barton had been 'magnificent' in carrying on as the only volunteer minibus driver for the past couple of months but it was unfair to put such pressure on one individual.

He said the minibus was no longer well used and total fares during the last eight weeks of operation only came to £43.50.

'We have a great team of volunteers for the car scheme,' said Mr Dodd, who believes more people are willing to use their car and claim expenses rather than drive a 12-seater vehicle, which also involves three days training.

Mr Dodd accepted the cost of hiring a car was more expensive than the minibus, partly because concessions did not apply, but he said it was cheaper than a taxi.

With regards to the minibus service to the day centre, he said: 'The county council cannot give a member of staff two days a week.

'We are talking to Age Concern, social services, the community transport department. Some way will be found, I am confident.'

Volunteer car drivers need to have a full clean licence, be fully taxed and insured and have no criminal convictions. To find out more, call Tom Parry at the community council on 01244 323602.