Fleet Of New Community Transport Vehicles Unveiled At Busy Park Barn Centre

Published on: 19 Jul, 2015
Updated on: 22 Jul, 2015

The Park Barn Centre was buzzing when a new fleet of community transport vehicles were unveiled for the first time on Wednesday last week (July 13).

It means people aged 60 and over, and those unable to access public transport because of a disability or ill health, will benefit. £430,000 has been spent purchasing the 10 specially adapted vehicles.

Picture on one of the new community transport vehicles with clients and volunteers at the Park Barn Centre, from left: Cllr Julia McShane; Mayor Nikki Nelson-Smith and Cllr Tony Rooth.

The vehicles are based at Guildford Borough Council’s Park Barn Centre, and the mayor and other councillors who attended the unveiling were also given an insight into the many activities on offer to older people at the day centre.

They also had the opportunity to speak to many of the regular users and also stayed for a spot of lunch.

The centre’s coffee shop has recently been refurbished and a new patio garden area has been created with plants, seats and tables.

In the new patio area. Front row seated, staff and volunteers at the Park Barn Centre with its manager Katie Pibworth, (fourth from left). Pictured standing far right is Jane Read, GBC’s community services manager. Next to her (red sweater) is Alaistair Knowles of AAK Garden Services. He supplied plants, top soil and stone chippings. Wearing high-via vests are Steve Payne (second left) and Fabio from the GLADE project that provided manpower for the garden landscaping. County Councillor for Guildford West Fiona White gave £1,400 towards the project from her local funds budget and £400 was donated by Guildford Lions.

The vehicles assist people who may want to go shopping, visit friends and family, attend hospital and medical appointments, visit social centres, enjoy voluntary sector activities and any other important journeys that need to be taken in daily life.

People aged 55 and over in the borough can also benefit from the full range of services on offer at not only the Park Barn Centre, but the Shawfield Social Centre at Ash.

These include:

A coffee shop and dining area serving hot and cold lunches at reasonable prices – providing an ideal place to meet friends and socialise in a welcoming environment.

A programme of leisure and recreational activities including ‘new age curling’ – based on the curling sport seen at the Winter Olympics. This version is adapted for the elderly and people in wheelchairs.

Chiropody, hairdressing and adult education.

Equip – a joint funded occupational therapy initiative by Guildford Borough Council and Surrey County Council that provides the opportunity to view and try equipment available for older people to remain independent in their own home.

Tele-care and community alarm equipment.

Internet access and library, plus information on other services in the area.

Guildford Borough Council’s Community Services also delivers hot meals to elderly or disabled residents across the borough.

The Mayor of Guildford, Nikki Nelson-Smith, said: “I am very impressed with the new fleet of vehicles, which will prove invaluable in helping the daily lives of older people and those unable to access public transport because of a disability or ill health.

“I enjoyed experiencing all the services available to visitors at Park Barn, and eating a typical meal from the community meals menu, which was of a very good standard.

“I encourage any resident who is not yet familiar with the services on offer at Park Barn and Shawfield to take advantage of this excellent service to the community, whether it is for yourself, a family member or friend.”

“Cllr Tony Rooth, lead councillor for housing and social welfare, added: “This service is clearly life-changing to many, after you meet those who actually use it.

“The council’s community transport and social centre service makes a real difference to borough residents.

“Our excellent staff are committed to helping everyone enjoy the full range of services on offer. Our centres are warm and welcoming, open every weekday so that visitors can easily increase their enjoyment of life.”

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