A TRANSPORT co-ordinator has reassured a community that ways will be found to keep a vital minibus service on the road.

Garth Goddard of Cheshire County Council has agreed to investigate the problem of elderly people getting to Malpas Day Centre because of a crisis in getting volunteers to drive the community minibus.

The problem came to a head when co-ordinator Anne Evans and her husband PC Dave Evans moved from their Malpas police house, where the 14-seater minibus used to be based, to Chowley.

Some drivers have complained the location is inconvenient and they don't like driving along the A41 to get there. But Mr Goddard told Malpas Parish Council there was a general problem in the number of volunteers falling away.

He said afterwards: 'I want to assure the Malpas community that it is our intention to continue to improve the minibus service for the south of Chester district. In doing this, new measures will need to be put in place and I hope this can be achieved with the minimum of short term disruption to the services provided.

'I want to express my thanks to all the community-minded volunteers who have helped to ensure the minibus has operated over the years.'

The minibus is used as a Dial-a-Ride taxi service for villagers in Malpas, Cholmondeley, Bickley, Tilston and surrounding areas on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There are also weekly shopping trips to Wrexham. And the bus serves Bickerton Lunch Club once a fortnight in winter. It can also be used as a private hire vehicle for groups with their own driver.

Mr Goddard explained the difficulties in supporting non-commercial transport services in the face of inflation in the public transport sector.

Bus contract costs were rising at an annual inflation rate of up to 40%. In the light of this difficulty the Malpas Community Minibus scheme was just the sort of project that the county council was committed to supporting.

He reiterated Cheshire County Council's commitment to the community minibus service and to developing other solutions to transport problems across the rural parts of the county.

He said the minibus scheme was going through a difficult time for a number of reasons but the county council was determined to work with the community and the volunteers to find solutions. He said the scheme had run successfully for 18 years, which was a remarkable record for an operation by volunteers.

Inevitably after such long term commitment, the numbers volunteering were falling off and it was now time to look at ways of refreshing and relaunching this project to ensure its future success.

He explained that discussions were being held with the Cheshire Community Council to find the best solutions.

The county council has an open mind about possible innovations. Members of the parish council were also invited to contribute their ideas.

Malpas city and parish councillor Keith Ebben pointed out it was becoming increasingly difficult to find volunteers who are able to give their time and effort.

Mr Goddard agreed and said there is always a balance to be struck between the needs of the community and the willingness and ability of members of the public to give their time.

Volunteers need a full clean driving licence and be over 21-years-old. Expenses are paid. Every driver is given training.

Anybody interested in becoming a volunteer driver or booking the bus can call Mrs Evans on 01829 771684.