A NEW accessible vehicle has been launched to help wheelchair users in Bourne-mouth get out and about in the community.

The Peugeot MPV has been purchased by South East Dorset Community Accessible Trans-port (Sedcat) and has been added to its fleet of minibuses, known locally as the BAT buses.

The vehicles are used to provide a door-to-door shopping service as well as a programme of afternoon and full day outings for anyone living in Bournemouth who is unable to use public transport.

The MPV has been specially adapted to carry powered and manual wheelchairs and will be driven by fully trained volunteer drivers from the Sedcat volunteer comm-unity car scheme.

It has been funded through the gener-osity of local charitable trusts, including the Talbot Village Trust, and fundraising events which have been run by Sedcat during the past two years.

“The new vehicle will allow them to help even more people who need to travel in a wheelchair and unable to use the community car scheme and we think it will be invaluable in giving individuals and their families that all important independence and freedom,” said Katie Cox from the Talbot Village Trust.

There will be a charge to use the MPV, to cover the running costs of the service. For more information telephone 01202 534027 or 01202 399700 or visit www.sedcat.org.uk