COMMUNITY leaders need to raise £50,000 to replace a ‘lifeline’ minibus that was damaged by thieves.

The Earby minibus has proved vital for many residents over the past 13 years but is on its last wheels after suffering at the hands of joy riders in February.

The W-reg Volkswagen was damaged when it was taken from the car park of the New Road Community Centre and members of the committee say a replacement bus is now required.

The fund-raising drive has been kick-started with a £1,000 donation from Earby Conservative Club.

David Hartley, chairman of the Earby Community Association, said: “It is now becoming apparent that, after 13 years of service, the minibus will have to be replaced sooner rather than later.

“We are therefore appealing to the whole community this year for a good effort to boost the replacement minibus fund.”

The 16-seater bus is run on a voluntary basis by the community association and is used by a wide cross-section of the community including the Scouts, lunch club, stroke support group and theatre goers. It was originally paid for by donations from the community and it took around four years to raise the then £32,000.

Ken Tenant, Conservative Club member, said: “The minibus is a vital lifeline for the community because it serves everyone from the smallest of children to the most senior pensioner.”

The Community Association’s minibus committee is organising a spring fair to add to the fund-raising on Saturday, April 30.

The event will take place at the New Road Community Centre and will run from 10am to 1pm, with various stalls, a coffee shop, lunches and a raffle.