The Bicester Youth Bus is back – thanks to funding from a major local employer.
The bus, which had been offering leisure facilities at a number of locations around Bicester, regularly attracted up to 40 young people in an evening.
But recent funding cuts meant it was no longer sustainable. Now Bicester Village has decided to take on the full sponsorship of the bus to keep it running.
Bicester Village spokesman Miranda Markham said: “The bus had gathered momentum as a successful project during the last five years and we did not want to see it come to an end.
“We are delighted to appoint Oxfordshire Playbus to run the project and will continue to monitor the venues and activities so that they remain fun and exciting.
“We are also grateful to Cherwell District Council for passing on the vehicle, which is well recognised throughout the town.”
Facilities offered on board the Youth Bus include computer games, DJ mixing, art and craft activities and video making.
The relaunched bus goes out twice a week, providing free sessions from 4.30pm to 6pm and 6.30pm to 8pm.
Project leader Tym Soper said: “We were delighted to be asked to run this project for Bicester Village.
“Oxfordshire Playbus has more than 30 years’ experience of community working and will endeavour to bring a great service to young people in Bicester and surrounding areas. The activities we do are designed to give the young people something positive to do and help them to contribute to their community.”
Visit {http://www.oxonplaybus.com/events|www.oxonplaybus.com/events|Oxon Play Bus}