Community Support Replaces Stolen Minibuses at Doncaster Autism College

Businesses have offered assistance after three minibuses were stolen from a college dedicated to autistic young people. The vehicles were taken from Harrison College’s locked compound in Doncaster on Monday. College principal Gemma Peebles stated that the minibuses were vital, as the college specializes in post-16 job provision for students with additional needs and relied on the vehicles to transport them to their job placements. However, one local business has loaned the college a nine-seater van, while another is covering the cost of two rental vehicles, enabling students to continue attending work. “As a small, independent education provider the loss is deeply saddening and frustrating,” Ms Peebles commented. She added, “Our dedicated team works tirelessly to create opportunities for students but acts like these threaten to derail our efforts.” She mentioned that the college team had stepped in to implement interim plans to support their students. David Chilvers, sales director at Clarks Vehicle Conversions, the provider of the nine-seater, said: “We were glad to be able to do our little bit to help – we love what the college does.” Freight company Woodland Group, which aided in securing two long-term minibuses, stated: “Witnessing the incredible work Harrison College does to support these children, we felt it was essential to restore stability to their lives both in the short and long term.” First Bus indicated that while it could not divert one of its regular routes past the college, it had taken alternative measures to assist. A spokesperson announced: “We are bringing a bus in from Sheffield and from Monday we will operate a special service free of charge between the interchange and the college just for students until Christmas, which I will drive myself.” The Doncaster Chamber of Commerce, which contacted First Bus for help upon learning of the burglary, described the community support for the college as “heart-warming.” Ms Peebles remarked: “This is what humanity looks like – lifting each other up, not taking from those striving to make a change and do the right thing.” South Yorkshire Police confirmed that the theft is under investigation, and the college thanked the force for its “rapid response” to the incident.