Group plugs in for the next 25 years

A community transport group serving north Norfolk is celebrating 25 years on the road by looking to the future with a new electric bus.

North Norfolk Community Transport has been taking people who are rurally isolated to appointments and events for the past quarter of a century, and the new bus has brought the service bang up to date.

Chair of trustees Nigel Lloyd said: “One of our strategic aims as a charity is to reduce the carbon footprint of our activities. I am therefore delighted that we have been able to replace a diesel-powered vehicle with a brand new zero-emission vehicle.”

NNCT’s mission is to enhance people’s quality of life by helping them to access local services and connect with their community and their friends and families.

Services include Dial-a-Ride minibus transport from isolated hamlets and villages to local shops and supermarkets;  wheelchair accessible vehicles for medical appointments; minibus hire for community groups and charities; and group outings.

It fills gaps in rural transport across north Norfolk and helps combat loneliness and isolation.

Jane Bishop, executive lead of NNCT,  said: “We are so excited to have reached this milestone.

“We know the future is electric and we want to be part of that. The bus will enable us to support even more people while contributing to more sustainable, decarbonised rural transport.”

Many people who use the service have said they would be unable to leave their homes without the service, which is run by a mixture of staff and volunteers.

One passenger said: “My Thursday morning shopping trip is a lifeline,” and another said: “I would not have been able to stay in my bungalow without their help. At 93 years they are now my nearest living friends.”

NNCT is part-funded by the government and supported by both North Norfolk District Council and the county council. Further grant support has been provided by the William and Patricia Venton Charitable Trust and the Sheringham Shoal Offshore Wind Farm Community Fund.