An MP has praised the community spirit of residents giving up their time to ensure disabled and elderly people in Handforth are not isolated at weekends when their usual bus service does not run.

Tatton MP Esther McVey met with Rev Steve Burmester, Ros Fox and Beryl Chapman, three of the four trustees of the Mobility and Access Group (MAG) which is launching a free pick up scheme in April. It came about after Cheshire East Council donated a minibus to the charity to help Handforth residents.  

Ms McVey said: “This is a great example of a community coming together to help each other. The generous donation of a bus by the council and then help from local businesses to refit it to meet specific needs, will benefit so many people as they no longer will be isolated and able to take advantage of the scheme and get about.

“The work MAG do is fantastic but they need help and I would urge anyone with some free time and who is confident driving a larger vehicle to volunteer.”

The bus seats 14 people and came equipped with a Tail-Lift for wheelchair or scooter users. The free service will run to Handforth Dean, Wythenshawe hospital, Morrisons Cheadle and Stockport and allow people to go shopping, attend social events or visit others in hospital.

There will be designated pick up points via The Paddock, Oakmere car park, Spath Lane and the Lakes estate. There will also be a bus every Sunday to Macclesfield General Hospital to allow Handforth residents to visit friends and relatives who are having treatment. The bus will be free to use.

The group hope to hire out the bus when not in use to ensure it raises money to keep the service going for local people. They say special arrangements can be made for more vulnerable people.

Lillian Selby is the fourth trustee of MAG.

People who would like to talk about becoming a volunteer driver for a couple of hours a month or who may be in a position to help sponsor the bus should ring Mrs Beryl Chapman on 01625 525567.