Vandals attack minibus (From Penarth Times)

Vandals attack minibus

SEVENTY Dinas Powys residents have been left stranded in their homes after thieves ripped the windows out of their only transport.

A minibus run by Dinas Powys Voluntary Concern (DPVC) was attacked on November 24 with its two rear windows stolen along with their rubber seals, and also the quarter light on the drivers side.

The white Ford Transit minibus, used by various local elderly peoples groups for free, had been parked in St Marys Church car park as per normal. It is believed thieves attacked overnight.

Now the minibus has to be repaired, leaving dependent elderly users with no transport.

Patricia Marsh, DPVC co-ordinator, said: "Its really irresponsible. So many people cant get out unless theyve got the minibus.

At least seventy people on average use the minibus each week, for example the Wednesday and Friday Afternoon Luncheon Clubs."

The minibus is currently being repaired at Llandough Service Station. Although the financial cost of the damage is not known, DPVC will have to foot a £150 excess bill to have it repaired under insurance.

Mrs Marsh said: "Funds at DPVC are already low. We were previously trying to raise funds to replace the bus wheelchair lift, but now we will have to pay for this damage.

"People were due to go to Tesco on the day it happened, and I had to ring everybody to tell them they couldnt go. For some people the trip to Tesco is the only time they get outside their front door."

Its just the latest in a string of attacks on DPVC. Last week the Vale of Glamorgan Council erected a light above the DPVCs premises at Murchfield Hall to help the elderly in the evenings. Within 24 hours it had been attacked. It was replaced, but destroyed yet again.

Now Mrs Marsh is making a desperate appeal to local residents: "If somebody has a van to lend us, just until we get ours back, that would be a start."

If you can help, call DPVC on 2051 3700.