Staff woes threaten bus project

The Banbury and District Community Bus Project could lose the money -- a lottery grant -- if it fails to appoint three key workers.

The bus, a specially-equipped double-decker, tours the area providing play opportunities for young people, family learning sessions and other activities for children and families.

The project, which is run by volunteers at the moment, would lose the Lottery money if it does not appoint anybody within 12 months.

Project chairman Mike Beal said: "This has so much potential and so many possibilities it will be an absolute disaster if we don't achieve our aims."

The bus visits areas where there are no other facilities and provides a drop-in centre for all sections of the community. It also offers themed play sessions for children and basic computer courses for adults.

It is fully equipped with its own on-board generator, and also attends events such as local fetes, the Banbury carnival, and the town's Christmas lights switch-on. A full-time project co-ordinator with a salary of £19,000 is needed to develop the scheme.

Applicants will need a recognised childcare qualification with under-eights or equivalent professional experience. A first aid certificate and adult education qualifications are desirable.

The person would need to be willing to drive, or learn to drive, the bus, although an HGV or PSV licence is not necessary. The co-ordinator would be expected to develop the project and secure further funding to keep the scheme going after the initial three years.

A full-time bus driver/project worker, with experience of working with young people, is also required. The position pays £13,500 a year.

The third job is a part-time administrative support worker, for eight hours a week, at £2,700 per annum. The job will include word processing, cash handling, banking and book-keeping.

Mr Beal said: "If we can't find full-time paid staff, volunteers with the right qualifications would be welcome."

Call Mr Beal on 01295 273008.