THE Camelford & District Welfare Mini-bus — known to many as ‘Dorothy’s Bus’ — will cease to operate in its present form, largely due to insufficient drivers and not enough passengers, writes Suzanne Cleave.

The present bus was purchased in 2008 with a generous bequest from the late chairperson, Dorothy Hannaford, of St Breward.

Dorothy and her fellow supporters were the driving force behind the original mini-bus concept some 50 years ago.

However, a letter was sent to Camelford Town Council by David Pierce, the current chairman of the Camelford & District Welfare Mini-Bus, explaining the situation and the ‘increasing difficulty’ in providing a reliable service with the mini-bus.

He said there is a constant shortage of volunteers able or willing to give their time, adding: “The pool is small, mostly people who are retired or working part time. The age limit of 70 is also a factor. The DVLA requirement of a licence medical also inhibits recruitment.”

Other rules and regulations, such as a CRB check for all drivers; a safeguarding clearance; and a return every three months giving details of mileage and passenger numbers, have also served as a hindrance.

There are fewer passengers, and the restrictions on the mini-bus’ licence and charity status inhibits any greater utilisation of the vehicle.

Mr Pierce said: “We no longer serve Boscastle or any of the other outlying villages. The Disabled Club no longer uses the bus for their monthly outings, due once again, to reduced numbers.

“The demographics of the local area have changed markedly since the bus was introduced some 50 years ago. Camelford was then a small thriving town with a good community spirit. The increase of car owning and a commuting population has reduced the need for an exclusive mini-bus. The closure of all the banks and many local shops has also effected the requirement of our ‘clients’ for the service.”

Mr Pierce noted that in other local villages, such as St Teath and Blisland, there is still a high usage of their mini-buses, and they appear to operate under a different set of regulations and are not restricted by charitable status.

“These are the hard facts. We have too few passengers using the bus and insufficient drivers to provide a reliable and economic service.”

After much discussion, it has been agreed that the bus will be donated to Camelford Primary School and Sir James Smith’s School, Camelford, who will be able to make good use of the vehicle, which has the added facility to transport pupils in a wheelchair.

The schools will retain the present signage and Dorothy’s name will remain prominent.

Responding to the letter at the recent town council meeting, mayor Cllr Rob Rotchell said: “It’s a shame. There are people from Tregoodwell and Anvil Court, what’s going to happen to them now? The bus collects them and takes them down to the Post Office and chemist, that’s not going to be there. There are still elderly people that still need the service but if they haven’t got any drivers they haven’t got any drivers.”

Cllr Rotchell suggested the council write back and say the council accepts the position, but is saddened by it.

Since the meeting, there has been a positive development for the users of the bus.

Mr Pierce told the Post: “The school taking over the bus have also agreed they will continue to allow the bus to pick up the people around Camelford and area on Thursdays. There will be drivers found from within the community to drive the bus on Thursdays.”

It is proposed that any remaining funds will be placed in a fund in Dorothy Hannaford’s name to provide an annual Christmas dinner for pensioners living in the Camelford area.

Mr Pierce said: “Given the money available, such a dinner should continue for many years.”

The Camelford & District Welfare Mini-bus in its present form will cease on January 1, when it will be taken over by the schools.

Anyone interested in volunteering their time to drive the bus is asked to contact Geoff Matthews on 01840 214972.