A DERBY youth charity is appealing for a bus driver to help get their double-decker youth centre back on the road.
The former Arriva vehicle has been refitted by the Enthusiasm Trust, at a cost of more than £25,000, to include flat screen televisions, seating and DJ decks but has been off the road because of mechanical problems and a lack of a driver.
The bus, painted in Enthusiasm's lime green, was off the road for a number of months this year because of vital work needed to make it road worthy.
Once back up and running though it was unable to get out to events and fun days due to not having a driver.
Project manager Marc Stevens said: "The bus is a mobile youth centre that is used for outreach and provides a unique approach for the delivery of vital services in hard to reach areas.
"The major problem we have is that we haven't got anyone who is able to drive the vehicle.
"Ideally it would be great to have a retired bus driver who wants to do the odd session who would be willing to drive for us during the day, evenings or weekends."
Each session lasts between two and three hours and takes place across the city.
The person would have to be DBS checked – formerly a CRB – but Enthusiasm would pay any costs that would be incurred as a result of checks.
The other problem the charity is finding is that because of the age of the bus, finding parts for the vehicle is difficult.
This has led to the bus being out of service for a number of months.
Marc added: "We would love to have a newer bus from one of the companies that we could use.
"We are very fortunate to have this bus but, because it is more than 20 years old, finding parts is a nightmare.
"Recently we had to have the fuel tank taken out and copied so that it could be replaced. A new bus would cost us a huge amount less in upkeep."
If you have the skills to get involved, then contact Marc at Enthusiasm on Derby 362 479 or e-mail marc.stevens@enthusiasm.org.uk/
