A NEW community bus providing a vital service for youngsters involved in a youth project and other people with mobility problems, has taken to the road.

The bus, provided with the help of Defra's Rural Enterprise Scheme, Durham County Council, and industrial waste and transport firm Hargreaves (UK) Ld will operate as Consett Community Access and will be run by the Consett Churches Detached Youth Project.

Project spokesman Jackie Forbes said: "The youth project was established in 1981 following the closure of the local steel works. Its aim was to help deal with the knock-on effects brought about by unemployment, such as depression and family break-ups, particularly the effect it would have on the young people of the villages around Consett.

"Our outdoor youth detached workers contact young people who may normally hang around on street corners or bus shelters and build up a relationship with them, encouraging them to join our wide ranging activities and educational workshops."

She added: "The new bus will make a real difference, allowing us to take the youngsters further afield and with the help of a team of volunteer drivers we can provide a vital service to others in the community - both individuals and groups - who may have transport difficulties."

Stephen Collins, an adviser for the Rural Development Service in the North East, said: "The Consett Community Access project will not only help those involved in the youth project but also the wider community and we're delighted to have been able to support this project."

For more information or to book the bus contact Jackie Forbes or Matt Hall on (01207) 501863.