A VITAL minibus service in Harting which has served tens of thousands of passengers but was set to stop, is to continue as a not for profit company.

More than 30 residents have agreed to support a Community Interest Company (CIC) which will keep the two minibuses on the road.

Colin Waller has been involved with the service since it began in 1973 and is currently the Harting Minibus committee treasurer.

He said: “Last year alone, 13,000 passengers were delivered, so it is great news it will continue as a CIC.”

Five volunteers will now become directors of the CIC and about 50 volunteers will continue to help out.

Mr Waller said: “The volunteers are vital in keeping the vehicles on the road.”

The service delivers village children to school in Petersfield, and provides a regular service to and from Petersfield and Chichester during the week.

Harting Parish Council owns the minibuses, which are operated by the committee, but changes to local government legislation mean the council can no longer be involved.

This meant the service was set to fold, despite the announcement in January of a £65,000 operating surplus.

The committee declined to continue under the council-free format, and resigned. They said their average age was almost 80, and younger members were needed to run the service.

But they have now agreed to continue until the CIC is operating, hopefully by the start of August.

The council has offered to cover the set up costs, said Mr Waller.