AGE Concern Liphook is the proud owner of a new minibus to facilitate transport for the elderly and disabled in the parish.

The nine-seater minibus was handed over by Age Concern’s chairman Robin Young to Penny Leigh and Karen Hanney, the managers of the Liphook Day Centre, who will be taking and managing all bookings.

The idea was first mooted in June 2014, as Age Concern Liphook was funding transport costs for the day centre, and the village’s over 60s and senior citizens’ lunch clubs.

Mr Young said: “In June 2015, I began actively pursuing funding such as ‘Awards for All’ and various other sources.  

“I sent out more than 200 requests to trust funds, including the Lottery Fund, and also approached Hampshire County Council, East Hampshire District Council and the parish council.   

“As it was going to be used by the elderly, a lot of who live in Radian accommodation, I approached them also. They all agreed to donate.  

“Liphook Infant and Junior Schools held a charity event before Christmas nominating Age Concern Liphook to receive more than £400 which they had raised.

“I then approached the SMC dealers at Aldershot and they agreed to supply a new Renault minibus to our specification, and also gave us a good discount.

“The total cost, including the wheelchair access and side step, was £30,000.

I have raised over £25,000 so far with some appeals still pending. The sign writing was an extra expense. As word spread, we also received an anonymous donation of £10,000.

“The order was placed with SMC in November.

“The minibus had to be especially made to spec, a nine or eight-seater with one wheelchair space, since anything bigger would have encountered difficulties with drivers and permits.

“We were expecting delivery in May, but it was delayed until now over legal issues with the folding seats at the rear. One had to be removed and replaced with a removable seat instead.

“Age Concern Liphook can now offer transport for the elderly and disabled to all activities that the parish offers, such as the clubs, the Women’s Institute, the Church Centre and Millennium Centre events, the Citizens’ Advice Bureau as well as all the Liphook churches.”

Age Concern Liphook will not be charging for journeys but will accept donations. The minibus is intended to be used only as a run around in the parish, not for trips out.

The service will be run by volunteers who will drive and assist passengers as needed from their home to the activity.

Areas covered included Liphook, Conford, Passfield, Griggs Green, Bramshott, Bramshott Chase and Hammer.

Mr Young added: “We want this service to be of real benefit for the people of our parish, but for this to happen, as is so often the case, we really do need as many volunteer drivers and escorts as possible.

“Please come forward even if you feel you could only help on odd occasions.

“Drivers should have a D1 on their licence.”

The minibus is available for immediate bookings which can be placed by calling Penny or Karen on the dedicated 24-hour mobile number 07493 337875 or by calling the day centre on 01428 724941 – Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 9am and 3.30pm.

SMC Aldershot’s Tracey Stewart (left) hands over the minibus keys to Age Concern Liphook chairman Robin Young with members of different community groups watching on.