Callous thieves steal Age Concern minibus
Charity bosses are calling for help after a minibus that transports elderly people to a lifeline day centre was stolen.
The bus was taken from outside Age Concern's day centre in Green Lane, Halesowen.
The organisation's white Iveco minibus with tail lift has since been recovered but is badly damaged which means it can't be driven.
Ken Turner, chairman of the charity, described the theft as 'most disappointing'.
He said: "It is awful, especially at this time of year and when the clients are requiring use of the minibus to get them to the centre.
"The bus has been recovered but we will need to see the extent of the damage before we will know if it needs replacing or not.
"These callous thieves need to be caught and punished for what they have done and the position they have put the elderly in so near to Christmas.
"We have made alternative arrangements to get the clients to where they need to be.
"But the most important thing is that it is Christmas and we will continue to wish festive cheer to everyone."
Merry Hill Private Hire Ltd in Brierley Hill has temporarily loaned the charity a minibus but it is only available until the end of the year so they are appealing to individuals or organisations across the borough for help.
The centre caters for up to 40 pensioners a day.
In recent years the Green Lane base has been subject to vandal attacks, with yobs causing damage to the premises in August 2013.
Anyone able to help with the appeal for a minibus should call Dionne Legge, chief officer at Age Concern, by emailing dionnelegge@acstourbridge.plus.com or calling Gill Williams, day centre manager at Green Lane on 0121 5615341.
