Kirkcowan Community Development Trust is delighted to announce the arrival of a community minibus, available to be used for members of the Kirkcowan Autumn Club, and community organisations and groups within the Kirkcowan Community Council area.
The 17-seater minibus was purchased with a grant from KCDT. Already the minibus has taken members of the Autumn Club for afternoon tea at The View in Port William, for lunch at the Harbour Inn in Garlieston and to the Soleburn Garden Centre near Stranraer.
David Edwards, Treasurer of the Autumn Club, says “The acquisition of the minibus finally allows us to broaden the experiences and horizons of the Autumn Club members. Many members have surrendered their driving licences due to health issues and rely on public transport and/or friends and family to get about. Whilst this is fine for getting into Newton Stewart or Stranraer, going anywhere off the main bus routes is challenging.
With the minibus, we can visit places that many may not have been able to visit for years, invoking fond memories and lots of stories. All this leads to a better quality of life for the older, less able members of our community.”
The minibus is not solely for the Autumn Club though. There are several groups and organisations within the village who also have problems organising transport to get to events, meetings, etc. In addition, the use of the minibus rather than several cars is obviously more beneficial to the environment.
The minibus has already been used to take the Kirkcowan Rainbows to and from their annual camp at Glentrool.
The minibus is a Vauxhall Movano Easy On, fitted with left-hand and right-hand grab poles, an extending side step and a 4.2m fixed Onboard Solid Platform Ramp. The interior can be converted to carry up to four wheelchairs by removing the easy release seats.
Currently the bus can only be driven by David or another named driver but a Section 19 licence, which will allow other drivers to use it, is being processed by the Department of Transport. Once the licence has been issued, community groups can apply to use the minibus as long as they comply with the following terms and conditions:
The minibus is only available for members of the Kirkcowan Autumn Club and, organisations and groups within the Kirkcowan Community Council area.
For the purposes of an application, a group constitutes a minimum of six persons including the driver.
The use of the minibus is administered through the Kirkcowan Autumn Social Club.
Seven clear days’ notice of use is required.
The organisation/group applying to use the minibus is responsible for providing a suitably qualified driver. The minibus can be driven by someone with a class B (manual car) licence who is over 25 years old and has had their licence for over two years, providing it is not for hire or reward.
The vehicle is NOT insured for hire and reward. Any person found to be using the minibus for hire and reward will therefore be driving without insurance or a valid licence. They WILL have their details passed onto Police Scotland.
The minibus will be handed over with a full tank of diesel. It will be clean and presentable. On taking charge of the vehicle, any marks, scratches, dents and interior damage will be documented and photographed.
On return, the minibus will have a full tank of fuel and will have a clean interior. It will be checked for any marks, scratches, dents and interior damage.
The user is liable for any and all damage sustained whilst the minibus is in their care regardless of the cause.
The user is liable for any insurance excess in the event of an insurance claim.
The user is liable for any and all fines and /or penalties incurred during the loan period.
No dogs are allowed in the minibus.
If the user fails to comply with any of the conditions of use, they will be barred from any further use of the minibus.
To submit an application to use the minibus, email: dedwards.autumnclub@gmail.com.
