Stow Disability Association Volkswagen Crafter handover
Stow Disability Association has publicly accepted a brand new Volkswagen Crafter wheelchair accessible minibus conversion from Stanford Coachworks.
The handover presentation took place on Wednesday 31st August at the Village Hall in Adlestrop, near Morton in Marsh, where the Association usually meet. The Cotswolds location saw David Hardacre of Stanford Coachworks officially hand the keys over to Lord Ashton of Hyde; the vehicle had previously been delivered in February 2011.
The CR50 4325m/m wheelbase high roof Crafter has a 6 speed gearbox with a speed limiter calibrated to 62mph, power steering, and has been converted to a 16 seat capacity (including driver’s seat) of which 12 are detachable for access of up to 3 wheelchairs.
“This is the first minibus conversion we have supplied to Stow Disability Association,” comments David Hardacre.
“We had been asked to quote for a new vehicle as their last bus was on its last legs and after a thorough vehicle demonstration and consideration we won the order.”
The minibus floor utilises Unwin tracking for the wheelchair and detachable seats, Taraplus nonslip flooring, with the interior and headlining finished in soft carpet.
Wheelchairs access to the minibus is via a Ratcliff RUL35AL automatic under floor passenger lift. The system comes with a sealed lift cassette and protrudes slightly at the rear, offering a step for abled bodied passenger access.
“From our first contact with Stanford Coachworks the help, advice and communication was first class,” explains George Hill, Chairman and Trustee of Stow Disability Association.
“The minibus was built and has fitted our needs precisely; all the disabled members of our association say it was exactly what was required.”
“Our passengers really like the side access door with the drop down step. When it was first used people were amazed at how easy it was to board using this step with the attached hand rails!”
Mr. Hill went on to explain how the specification of the Crafter, from the type and size of the seats, the side access to the bus and hoist system, the headroom, the colour of the trim and right down to the automatic gearbox was built as requested.
The association have thirteen full members and up to fifteen associate members, some of whom belong to other local groups and join the day centre from time to time. Two members are wheelchair users and up to five associate members are also wheelchairs users making the vehicle a much needed asset. The minibus is used at least twice a week by the Stow Association and on most trips there is at least one wheelchair user on board. They also offer the vehicle to other organisations, residential and nursing homes.
Stanford Coachworks offer advice and guidance on legal requirements for their conversions, bodywork, interior and engine options to all clients.
Mr. Hill concluded: “Nothing was too much for them, we appreciated their advice and they have kept in contact with us since the delivery to ensure our satisfaction; they are the experts and it showed.”
