A charity which provides a lifeline for many people in the district is appealing to schools and other clubs to help them seek a new minibus.

Bradford PHAB (Physically Handicapped and Able Bodied) Club, meets on Wednesdays from 7.15pm to 8.45pm in term time and alternates between its headquarters at Mappa Building Community Centre in Coates Lane and Fairfax Swimming Baths in Flockton Road.

Until 15 months ago, the charity had to ask the families of the club’s members to transport them to the venues.

But a lifeline came along when a PHAB club in Kent gifted them their old minibus.

“It was generous of them. We had to put a new clutch in but was happy with that because it meant we could get people to the weekly meetings much easier and take them on outings at weekends. Before it was so difficult to organise it,” said Bradford PHAB chairman Akbar Kahn. However, Mr Khan, who is a housing manager for Leeds City Council and has been involved in Bradford PHAB for 35 years said they now feared their transport was coming to the end of its life.

“We were so grateful to the Kent club for donating the minibus, but it is 20 years old. As well as the clutch we recently had to repair a problem with the axle. It is difficult to know if anything else will need doing soon so are asking around now to see if any schools or clubs will be getting rid of their old minibuses soon and would be willing to sell one to us. We have around £3,000 or £4,000 we can put towards a newer model and are looking at one that is around 10 years old or younger.

“Our old one seats 11 including the driver, plus room for wheelchair users, but we are really looking at obtaining a 15 to 17 seater vehicle if at all possible.

“We don’t need one adapted for wheelchair users at the moment though if there is one available with this adaptation it would be fine. I have spoken to Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Passenger Transport, where we have hired minibuses in the past. The Council said the school’s old minibuses are sold off at auction when they get new ones and WYPT said they could not sell their old vehicles to the public, which seemed a bit strange.

“They did say they would look out for us. We will be okay with the one we have, hopefully for a few more months, but before long we will need another.

“There are not many of these size minibuses around. I keep looking online to see if there is anything.

“It would be great if someone locally could help us out.”

As well as swimming and organising weekend trips, Bradford PHAB organises activities include arts and crafts, kickboxing, archery, line dancing and sports sessions.

Anyone able to help with sourcing a new minibus can contact the chub via bradfordphabclub.org.uk