A LOCAL charity has stepped in to save a cash-strapped minibus service that provides transport for patients in Alton. Community Transport for East Hampshire has secured £3,000 each year for the next three years from the Bordon Charity to maintain its service taking patients to and from hospitals in Alton and Basingstoke. So far the service - which operates on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays - has carried more than 1,000 passengers. A specially-adapted, wheelchair-friendly vehicle is available to transport patients door to door for a flat fare of £12.50. Initial funding was supplied by the Countryside Agency and Hampshire County Council, but now the Bordon Charity has agreed to an annual donation of £3,000 for the next three years. Lynne Peters, spokesman for Community Transport for East Hampshire, said: "We always knew there would be a problem with funding the scheme because the Countryside Agency do not do funding continuations so after the initial donations we could not go back to them for more. "The Bordon Charity was a great help, providing half the amount needed. We had looked at other options but it was the only one that has put its money where its mouth is." The organisation is also hoping to gain a further grant from Hampshire County Council but is awaiting a final decision. The service is now active after a brief suspension and journeys to either hospital can be booked by calling 01420 475759.
