The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Disabled residents in Fleet have been left devastated by the theft of a “lifeline” minibus.
The blue eight-seater Mercedes Sprinter was stolen from the car park at Hovenden House, the Leonard Cheshire home with 24 residents.
Everyone who lives at the Lowgate home relies on the vehicle to get out and be more independent.
Pam Pawson (65), a resident for 40 years, said: “It is heartbreaking that someone would steal our minibus.
“A group of us often go out together. We won’t be able to do that now and will have to be transported individually. The remaining two buses won’t be available very often, which will leave us feeling isolated.
“Hovenden House is in the countryside – with very little accessible public transport so the minibus is our lifeline to the community. We really hope that it can be found. We are all distraught.”
Service manager Julia Scott will be unable to plan for group trips in the near future which has left people feeling devastated.
She said: “We can’t believe someone would steal a minibus that is used by disabled people.
“It is very precious and integral to the home. We won’t be able to get out nearly as much without it, which is very upsetting.
“It only leaves us with two smaller vehicles that can only transport one or two wheelchair users at one time for each journey. As medical appointments take priority, it will leave very little opportunity to do other things.”
She added: “Although the vehicle was insured, it was old and unfortunately we won’t get much for it. But it ran perfectly and was extremely reliable.”
Anyone with information on the minibus – registration Y757 BOC and stolen after 5pm on February 13 – should call Lincolnshire Police on 101.
