A WINSFORD charity is among 300 local charities and community groups across England that will receive new minibuses from the Department for Transport.

The NeuroMuscular Centre, based in Winsford, will benefit from the Department for Transport’s £25 million community transport minibus fund, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has announced.

The funding will help elderly residents, people with learning and physical disabilities and those who do not have access to a commercial bus service.

Selected charities and community groups across the country will each receive a nine to 16-seater minibus specifically tailored to their requirements, such as disability-friendly access and adapted seating.

Mr McLoughlin said: “I know first-hand how important transport providers like these can be to keep rural areas alive and protect the independence of local residents.

“They are often the lifeblood of local communities so it is only right that the government gives them the support they deserve.

“This £25 million fund will buy over 300 new vehicles, some specially adapted, to help these organisations continue to carry out their important work in the community.

“We have had an overwhelming response, which demonstrates the importance of this fund, and I am keen to support similar schemes in the future.”

Following this first round of allocations, the Department for Transport will look to use the fund to support additional schemes this summer.