Essex Charity Seeks Donations After Community Minibus Destroyed by Arson

An Essex-based charity has initiated a crowdfunding drive subsequent to one of its community transport minibuses being completely destroyed by a fire. The Tendring Community Transport (TCT) bus, valued at £62,000, caught fire and was consumed by flames during the night while it was parked beside another vehicle at Golf Green Hall in Jaywick. According to the charity, the incident occurred after bingo concluded at the hall around 22:00 GMT on 30 October, when an individual reportedly used a can of petrol to ignite the vehicle. Law enforcement officials are currently investigating the matter. Pauline Mann, the chief executive of the organization, stated: “Luckily someone spotted the fire and called the fire brigade, who arrived very quickly, saving the other vehicle. But our minibus was completely burnt out.” She further commented that the loss of the bus occurred “at a really bad time.” “We had just lost a vehicle two weeks earlier due to engine problems,” she explained. She added: “So, in a very short period of time, we have gone from 12 minibuses to 10.” TCT offers accessible door-to-door transportation services for local residents using its specialized buses, facilitating activities such as food shopping, participation in groups and clubs, and travel to medical appointments. Ms Mann remarked: “Because of this loss, we have had to cancel some of our group hire services – taking elderly people to a lunch club and elderly residents to social events.” She emphasized: “It is devastating, as this trip may be the only time someone leaves their home.” She also noted that the charity serves as a “lifeline to many elderly, vulnerable people in the Tendring district.” “Many people that use our services would not leave their homes if they could not use community transport,” she stated. She concluded by mentioning: “A new wheelchair accessible minibus costs between £75,000 and £85,000.” Essex Police are treating the fire as arson and have issued an appeal for any witnesses to come forward. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.