A DECLINE in use and increasing costs has put the future of the Pershore and District Community Minibus in the balance after more than 30 years of service to residents, clubs, associations and sports and youth groups.

At a special meeting on Wednesday, February 1, the reality of the situation created by escalating cost and shortage of volunteers on top of declining demand was clearly explained to some of the regular user groups.

David Lavender, chairman of the committee, said that insurance costs alone now totalled more than £2,000 a year and together with increased maintenance charges and fuel resulted in journeys made by the bus incurring a subsidy that far outstripped the modest grants received each year.

He said the Trustees were faced with stark choices which could lead to the running down of the service during the spring and early summer this year. Increasing the charges from the current level of 85p a mile was one of the short-term options, but he pointed out any worthwhile increase might simply lead to further decline in usage.

Efforts made over recent years to provide a higher profile for the service to attract more volunteer drivers and user had little effect and even after more than 30 years the majority of residents seemed unaware of the service or confused it with that provided by the Voluntary Centre.

Kate Walton,. Of the Voluntary Centre, told the meeting "We have also experienced a decline in the demand for bus transport but an increase in the demand for private cars. I am sure we can find ways to increase co-operation between the services we provide."

A letter is to go from the committee to all local groups and organisations that have used the bus over the years and to some that have not, putting the main choices to them. Anyone able to offer further support should contact David Lavender on 01386 553719.