WORK has started on the production of a new community minibus for Alresford.

Owned and run by the New Alresford Town Trust (NATT), the current minibus has clocked up 98,000 miles during its eight years of service, having undertaken nearly 5,000 journeys.

The new minibus, a Mercedes Sprinter, was ordered in October at a cost of £58,000, and trustees Pam Stevens and Bernard Simmons have since paid a visit to Stanford Coachworks in Essex, which is taking on the conversion work.

According to Mrs Stevens, Standford Coachworks sales director Mike Gasper is confident of meeting the delivery target of next March.

Alresford MP Steve Brine, a great supporter of the Trust, has agreed to perform the opening ceremony of the new minibus, which will be attended by the 30-plus volunteer drivers who, according to Mrs Stevens, “have been the backbone of the minibus operation”.

“Without their dedication, there would be no minibus service,” she added.

She continued: “The Mercedes Sprinter will be a big improvement to the current minibus with easy accessible steps into the bus and a top-of-the-range air-conditioning and heating system. It will also be fitted with a shopping and walking aids area to keep these items safe.”

The new minibus will carry the logos of its principal financial supporters, namely Andrew Smith Auctions, Richard Steel Funeral Directors, Winchester City Council, Old Alresford Parish Council, Alresford Rotary, Alresford Pigs, and the Alresford Thursday Market.

To join the list of supporters, call Pam Stevens on 01962 734861 or e-mail [email protected].