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£31,000 vehicle windfall for vital bus service

A Somerset housebuilder is helping to keep residents of Keynsham on the move after donating a bus to the local area.

Barratt Developments, which has been bringing new homes to Keynsham at its Bilbie Green development, has gifted Keynsham Dial A Ride with a brand new bus worth £31,000.

The 17 seater vehicle will be used to help people who cannot use ordinary bus services to get around. While the bus isn’t exclusively for people who have disabilities, it’s frequently used by people who find it difficult to get around and is a lifeline for many elderly people to get to doctors’ appointments.

The donation was made possible through Barratt Developments’ ongoing commitment to supporting the areas in which it works. The company, which comprises both Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, invested just over £32m in the region last year through local contributions. This included affordable housing sales and s106 contributions.

Kirstie Brown from David Wilson Homes took time out from helping buyers at Bilbie Green to meet with Cllr Brian Simmons and MP Jacob Rees-Mogg and hand over the keys to the new bus.

She said: “Being in the business of creating new communities, we believe it’s important to support ‘local heroes’ in the areas we work. Keynsham Dial A Ride is a fantastic example of such a community hero in Somerset, helping to get people from A to B who may struggle to do so otherwise. We wish them all the best with the new bus.”

Kirstie was joined by five-year-old Leo Watt from Keynsham, who won a competition run by Keynsham Dial a Ride and the local school to name the bus. The youngster’s suggestion of ‘Bumbo’ impressed judges and now sits pride of place on the front of the bus.

Cllr Brian Simmons, Member Advocate for Community Transport at Bath and North East Somerset Council, and Chairman of Keynsham Dial-a-Ride said: “Dial A Ride is a lifeline for many people helping them to remain active, enjoy getting out and maintain contact with family and friends. I greatly welcome the new bus which is a fantastic addition to the service provided by our hard working dedicated volunteers and staff.

Jacob Rees-Mogg MP added: “Dial a ride is a wonderful community service dependent on volunteers and charitable donations. It prevents isolation and loneliness amongst the elderly which is a noble achievement.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by David Wilson Homes South West .