Jimmy Mac's Hatfield community bus saved as charity steps in

Communities 1st is working in partnership with Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, allowing the service to continue running after a review into its future last year.

Back in November, the charity also helped secure the future of the Shopper Hopper bus, which was also under threat from the review.

The service will operate in the same way as the existing one, running from Tuesday to Friday, with prices frozen until April 1, 2024.

They would then increase by £1 per return journey every year from that date, up to the maximum fee of £6 per return journey.

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The new partnership will also see new benefits, including the offer of organised coach trips and day trips and an established volunteer pool of 'bus buddies' to support shopping in store.

"We recognise that this service supports users’ independence and is valued by those and the families of those that use it," said Stephen Craker, chief executive of Communities 1st.

"Without these buses, people can become isolated.

"This in turn can lead to other physical and mental challenges so there is a wider benefit to being able to ensure these services can continue to operate.

"We are delighted to be able to work with the council to make that happen."

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Councillor Fiona Thomson, executive member for housing at Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, added: "Since talking last year to those who rely on the buses, we have worked hard to find a solution that would keep the services going at a reduced cost to the council.

"This is a challenge we continue to face across the board, with no let-up for the financial pressures on local government.

"In this instance, we are fortunate to be able to work with such a committed and well-run charity as Communities 1st to enable that to happen."