ANGER and disgust has been expressed following the theft of a community minibus seen as a vital lifeline for many elderly and disabled Droitwich residents.

The white Ford Transit, registration K736 NOW, was taken from a car park in St Andrew's Road before 9.40am on Monday.

It is used three days a week by the Age Concern Day Centre and on a weekly basis by Droitwich Stroke Club, Mainstay (Multiple Sclerosis) and the Salvation Army.

The vehicle, often hired out to other groups, was donated by Vax about 10 years ago.

It is also used fortnightly by organisations including the Fellowship Club and on a monthly basis by CRUSE and Arthritis Care.

Sue Poyer, manager of Droitwich Community Voluntary Service, said: "This vehicle is vital to the community. There are going to be many highly disappointed people who rely on it and who look forward to travelling in it. I don't know what we are going to do until it is recovered or a replacement can be found."

Cllr Mike Barratt (Con-East), who drives the mini-bus for the members of the Stroke Club every Friday, was disgusted by the theft of the vehicle.

"I believe the theft happened some time over the weekend. I'm disgusted people could pinch a vehicle that helps so many elderly and disabled people in the area. The vehicle with its hoist at the back for wheelchairs is invaluable to us.

"The members of the Stroke Club are not aware of this at the moment but I'm sure they will be shocked and disappointed when they find out. It is a vital lifeline and benefits around 50 to 60 people a week," he said.

He added that in the meantime they would be hiring a vehicle from the county council but hoped the original one would be recovered in roadworthy condition.

A Droitwich police spokesman said: "We are keen to hear from anyone who has any information -- no matter how unimportant they think it might be -- that will help in our enquiries and enable us to quickly recover what is clearly a very special vehicle."

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the minibus should contact police on 08457 444 888, quoting 27C/100504.