September 10 2014.


Heartless thieves targeted a community transport charity overnight (Tuesday 8th September) and stole a catalytic converter and exhaust system, putting two essential vehicles out of action.

CTLA (Community Transport for the Lewes Area) is based at the Hillcrest Centre, Hillcrest Road, Newhaven and undertakes over seven thousand passenger journeys a month for vulnerable and isolated community members, many of whom have mobility problems or are elderly.

The cost of repairs, administration and loss of income, not met by insurance, will be a considerable blow to the charity, who operate in many towns and villages including Newhaven, Peacehaven, Seaford and Lewes.

Community Manager, Paula Woolven, said: "Anyone who could steal from a vital support charity like CTLA is the lowest of the low. It's not just about the financial cost and inconvenience. For many of our clients, the CTLA bus journey is their only contact with the outside world. Our volunteers and staff are devastated. They know how much our service means to people who may otherwise be confined to their own homes or rely on us for shopping and healthcare."

Any witnesses to the theft should contact Sussex Police on the non-emergency number 101.

To support CTLA with a donation visit: www.localgiving.com/commtrans
To find out more about the charity visit: www.ctla.org.uk