LLANDOUGH Councillor Kate Edmunds has joined the urgent search for replacement drivers to continue a vital community transport bus service.

The bus which takes residents, including many older people, from Llandough to Asda and Tesco supermarkets every Thursday and helps them with their shopping will come to an end in August if replacement drivers are not found.

The bus has been running since 2002 and the existing drivers John Huish and Clive Carryett have been involved since the beginning. They both celebrate their 70th birthdays this year which means they will be ineligible for insurance, and no longer be able to drive the bus.

Ron Land, a regular bus user, is dreading the future without it.

“This bus provides a lifeline to us all," he said

"It would be almost impossible for me to get my shopping otherwise. John and Clive have both been brilliant and I just really hope someone else will be able to fill their shoes and keep this bus going.”

Current driver and former Community Councillor John Huish said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed providing this service– it is very rewarding. I am very sad to think that the bus may no longer be running and would appeal to anyone to consider playing a part in retaining it.”

Clive Carryett added: “This is a great volunteering opportunity for somebody - one that really impacts on the lives of people in the community.”

Efforts to recruit replacement drivers/helpers have been unsuccessful so far. Cllr Edmunds is urging anyone who has time available and is interested in making a difference in the community to consider helping out.

Two people are needed for three hours a week on a Thursday morning - one to drive and one to help the passengers.

If you are interested in getting involved please contact the Clerk to Llandough Community Council, Paul R. Egan, on 01446 409294 or at p.egan67@ntlworld.com