THE future of a Bordon-based community transport organisation has been discussed at a meeting of council representatives and stakeholders.
Community Transport East Hampshire, based at the Forest Community Centre, in Forest Road, offers transport to community groups and schools.
The organisation needs to secure alternative management arrangements in the next two years to continue operating the service. Most of the organisation's funding comes from Hampshire County Council, while one third comes from East Hamp-shire District Council. This funding is secure for the next two years, but the county council contribution is dependent on matched funding from other bodies.
The county council has recently changed the funding from grant making to a contract system. Under the new system, contracts are awarded either as competitive tendering - as with commercial bus companies - or as a negotiated contract, used for most community transport operators. The new rules stipulate that community transport groups must belong to a wider volunteering organisation and could face competing in an open market.
The meeting was arranged to look at how the challenges ahead could be faced. One option is to apply for charity status.
County councillor Adam Carew, who represents Whitehill and Bordon, said: "Community Transport East Hampshire plays a vital role in our local community.
"We are proud that the organisation is based here in Whitehill-Bordon, which is where it was set up, but this is an East Hampshire-wide issue and it is in all our best interests to support it.
"This is likely to be the first of a number of meetings, but where there is a will, there is a way and I am optimistic that we can find a way forward."
Organisation manager Lynne Peters said: "Many residents and voluntary groups depend on Community Transport East Hampshire, but we now need to examine possible alternatives in our management arrangements. I am confident that, with the help of local councils and community organisations, we can do this and go from strength to strength."