PARISH council leaders said it would be 'sad' if a community minibus folded.

Malpas Parish Council raised concerns about the future of the village minibus, which stopped working as a Saturday shopper service to Wrexham at the end of last month.

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

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

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

Malpas parish chairman Ann Wright said: 'I am aware of a number of complaints that the community minibus is not doing as many runs as it was, particularly the Saturday trip to Wrexham.

'I have spoken to the community council who run the bus and who, with the county council, have done a survey of transport needs.

'They are still collating the information. The problem seems to be particularly with the Saturday trip, there are not that many people using it and there is a shortage of drivers.'

Cllr Wright confirmed the bus was continuing to serve the day centre for the time being but said there was question mark over whether that would continue.

'It's a little bit up in the air at the moment,' she said. 'It would be sad for Malpas if that folded.'

Cllr Charles Higgie said the community council was promoting a volunteer car scheme as an alternative.

To find out more, call Tom Parry on 01244 323602.