School minibus bid launched by community groups in Largs

The £65,000 application is supported by the parent councils of Largs Primary, Largs Academy and St Mary’s Primary, as well as the Largs Community Council and the Largs Community Development Trust.

The proposal seeks a funding grant to purchase a minibus to be used by all educational establishments under the umbrella of Largs Campus, and it would also be available to local constituted community groups in Largs, Fairlie, West Kilbride, Skelmorlie and Millport.

All three parent councils have identified that there is a gap in participation in extra-curricular activities due to the lack of suitable transportation.

Unlike most schools in North Ayrshire, Largs does not have access to a minibus to allow students and groups to take part in out-of-school activities outside the town.

Local groups, such as SWI, Dementia Friendly Largs and the Largs Church of the Nazarene, who do not have readily available access to a suitable transport, would also be able to use the bus during weekends.

A manual Citroen Enterprise Flexilite minibus with 17 seats and 1 wheelchair has been sourced with a total cost for purchase at £51,814 including VAT.

A loan arrangement and a second hand bus from a reputable dealer were also put forward as alternatives.

The application will include an allowance to support the running costs for up to three years, with the exception of fuel, which would be met by each participating group.

The proposal will allow all members of the community to access events, competitions and other activities that they otherwise would be unable to participate in.

The application stated: "Key regional finals, like the North Ayrshire netball and football championships, are at risk due to the current lack of funding and transport options.

"Without access to a community minibus, Largs Academy and its surrounding schools face difficulties in attending these competitions, while other schools with minibus access can continue to participate and benefit from such experiences.

Community councillor Jamie Black, who was representing the school parent groups, told the North Coast Locality Partnership meeting that a single parent family or family working full time may not be able to get time off or have access to transport in order to take their children to extra curricular activity, and a minibus would provide major benefits.

Community councillor Jamie Black says minibus provision would break barriers for Largs participation in inter school sporting events, and would also benefit community groups in town. (Image: Newsquest)

Independent councillor Ian Murdoch asked about sourcing drivers and about community usage as he had been under the impression that it would solely be a school bus.

Mr Black responded that designated drivers was a matter that had been discussed with the school, and the bus would have a clear focus for being used by school during weekdays, with community groups getting use of the bus during the weekends.

West Kilbride Community Council chairman John Lamb asked if other communities in the North Coast area including West Kilbride, Skelmorlie and Fairlie could use the bus.

Mr Black stated that Fairlie and West Kilbride primaries and constituted groups in the district could use the bus under the proposal.

Mr Black added that volunteer groups could nominate drivers to go for designated driver training.

And Conservative councillor Todd Ferguson asked whether there were other buses already in operation by community groups in the district that could be utilised.

The application stated: "It is considered that outright purchase is the best option in the long term, as this allows a brand new vehicle to be procured, whilst providing future value to allow a newer vehicle to be purchased should funding permit."

The application has included a request for funds to be set aside to support running costs for up to the first three years.

All parents councils would look to fundraise to support the ongoing operation of the minibus, and other sources of funding will be explored.

It was decided after a discussion on the matter at the North Coast Locality Partnership meeting that a grant request to the Community Investment Fund would be deferred to obtain more information.