Disabled get a ticket to ride (From Warrington Guardian)

Disabled get a ticket to ride

DISABLED daytrippers can travel with peace of mind thanks to the World.

A grant from the World's charitable arm has helped fund a wheelchair accessible coach for Halton Community Transport.

They provide vital transport for the community and had a massive demand for a new wheelchair accessible coach after the others proved so popular.

The coaches mean disabled people aren't socially excluded from events.

Manager Duncan Prince said: "It's been most beneficial because we are a community enterprise, we can't afford to buy new coaches, so we were looking for something decent and suitable for the group."

One service user said: "The service really helps me to get out and be independent. I couldn't walk to the bus stop. I feel safe with peace of mind."

They received a £5,000 grant towards the £16,000 coach from the Gannet foundation, the charitable arm of the World's parent company, Newsquest, after entering a competition in the weekly newspaper.

The Ditton Road charity deal with 250 registered community groups and provide lower cost transport.

The running costs every year are around £400,000. They won the greater Merseyside Best Contribution to the Community Award last year.

They are now looking to invest in their bread and butter minibus services like dial a ride.

Mr Prince said: "Some of it can be shopping trips, trips to health centres, some of it can be social trips, that type of thing."