Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Group left devastated after minibus stolen
A much-loved Coatbridge additional support needs theatre group was dealt a devastating blow when its minibus was stolen by heartless thieves.
Shining Stars ASN Theatre School has appealed for information after the minibus was taken from Brown Street industrial estate in the town.
Group founder Katie SlavenTrower was distraught after finding the black Ford Transit, registration HN16 CME, was missing last Monday, February 3.
The specially- adapted minivan features distinctive silver lettering and the group’s logo and is essential to transport members to performances and activities.
Katie told the Advertiser: “I went down to collect the disabled card from the bus last Monday night, around 8.15pm. I went to where it’s usually parked, but it wasn’t there.”
The organisation bought the vehicle following a £43,000 award from the People’s Projects – a partnership between STV and the National Lottery.
Katie explained: “We had to get it adapted to meet the needs of the group. It has an electric ramp in it for wheelchair users to get in and out and it has been adapted so suit everyone’s needs in the group.”
The bus is a lifeline for parents of more than 100 of the group’s young adults and children.
Katie continued: “Our Easter school is organised but now we have no means of transport to get the kids there; I don’t know what we are going to do.
“I just didn’t think that people would steal from disabled kids and adults.
“It’s just a waiting game to see what the police find out.
“The most difficult thing is having to tell the kids what’s happened.
“If anyone has it, just hand it back or tell us where it is and we will go and get it.”
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “We received a report of a Ford Transit van being stolen from the Brown Street industrial estate in Coatbridge. The inquiries are continuing.”