Archive - Thursday, 25 April 2002


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Disbelief at theft of charity's minibus

DISABLED people in Ryedale have been left stranded after heartless thieves made off with a charity's minibus.

Disgusted staff and volunteers at the Wilf Ward Family Trust, in Pickering, say they are staggered at the theft.

"This is an absolute disgrace," said Christine Wright, manager of the Pickering branch of the charity.

"I am totally disgusted that people have no conscience in stealing from a charity that provides an essential service in the community.

"They have deprived our respite care guests of the opportunity to get out and about in North Yorkshire."

The trust is a registered charity which provides support for people with learning disabilities and operates the respite care centre within the Pickering community.

The minibus, which is one of two vehicles based at the Pickering branch, was taken during the night on Sunday, April 21.

The stolen minibus, registration FAZ 5831, has a chair lift attached to the back for wheelchair access.

It was used to provide respite breaks for six service users a week while their carers took a welcome rest from the rigours of caring for someone with learning disabilities.

The minibus was also used to provide daily transport for four clients who used the day care facility in Pickering.

Richard Pacey, chief executive of the trust, said it was not the first time the charity has had a minibus stolen.

"Our Northallerton branch had a minibus stolen a few years ago and we never recovered that," he said.

"It is quite astonishing that whoever has done this has not considered that they were stealing a vital form of transport for disabled people."

The stolen minibus was due to be replaced in June, said Mr Pacey, but until then clients could be stranded.

"We will have to look at other ways of providing our clients with transport," he added.

"We may be able to borrow a bus from our Scarborough branch but it may be an unsuitable size for our requirements."

Anyone with information about the theft is urged to contact Malton police on (01723) 509612.

Updated: 10:20 Thursday, April 25, 2002