NEWS RELEASES
New transport scheme for Henfield area
27th March 2007
PEOPLE living in the Henfield area are set to benefit from a new community transport service.
For anyone living in Henfield, Small Dole, Upper Beeding, Bramber, Steyning, Shermanbury, Partridge Green, Ashurst, Woodmancote or Blackstone, there is soon to be a new transport service for anyone who normally finds it difficult to use public transport or who lives in rural isolation.
Starting on Wednesday 18 April with a shopping trip to Horsham, a minibus will run from the Henfield area on a weekly basis offering one off Dial-a-Ride journeys, shopping trips to Horsham and excursions.
The Dial-a-Ride part of the minibus service which offers one off journeys on demand will initially operate only on Fridays but it is hoped that this can also be extended to Mondays and Tuesdays in June.
The scheme works by the minibus picking up passengers from their homes, in response to a ‘phone call made the previous day, and taking them to their destination. If needed, there’s a return trip home later the same day.
The minibus seats up to 17 people and has full climate control whilst being fully accessible to wheelchairs. The minibus drivers also offer extra help to anyone who needs it in boarding the minibus and carrying shopping.
The cost of each single Dial-a-Ride trip is £1 and bookings need to be made the day before the intended trip. The shopping trip will cost £6 and the excursions will cost either £6 or £12 depending upon the length of the trip.
The minibus is also available for hire by the local community, voluntary and non-profit making organisations in the evenings and at weekends.
The Henfield scheme is organised and run by local volunteers whilst being funded and supported by The Barchester Foundation (Red Oaks Care Home), Horsham District Council, South East England Development Agency, West Sussex County Council and Henfield Parish Council.
Volunteer drivers will be very welcome and will be offered training.
Bookings can be made with Duncan Edwards on 078910 44886, and further information can be obtained from Chris Simmonds on 01273 493514.
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CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk