Bus service scheme will help rural areas stay connected

POLICE WATCHDOG SAYS IT IS NOW IN THE FINAL STAGES

AN investigation into the death of a man who became ill while in police custody and later died in hospital is still continuing 10 months on.

Mark Mcvey, of Church Gresley, had allegedly been assaulted during an incident involving other two men after the theft of a van near Swadlincote on May 14, last year. He was arrested after the incident and took ill while in police custody. He was taken to the Royal Derby Hospital, where he died three days later.

Before his death, two men had arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm on Friday, May 15.

They were arrested again on suspicion of manslaughter following Mr Mcvey’s death and were bailed while police enquiries continued.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) also launched an investigation after Mr Mcvey’s death as he had taken ill in police custody.

A MILLION-POUND investment in a flexible minibus service to connect rural areas to main bus routes has been welcomed.

David Williams, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said he was delighted by confirmation of the authority’s successful bid to the Department for Transport (DFT) to fund the £1 million scheme in the Staffordshire Moorlands.

Three wheelchair-accessible 16-seat minibuses with bike racks will be bookable by phone, online, or by phone app.

David Williams said: “This will make a real difference to residents living in

A spokesman for the IOPC said: “We are in the final stages of completing our investigation report, which will be shared in due course with the force and Mr Mcvey’s family.

“We will consider publishing our findings when all associated proceedings, including the inquest, have concluded.”

Derbyshire police said its investigation remains under review with a spokesman saying: “No charges have been brought at this time and the case remains open.”

Mr Mcvey, 48, had been arrested in connection with the theft of a white Mercedes Benz Sprinter van in Swadlincote on Wednesday, May 13, last year.

Police said at the time that the owner of the van had followed the Sprinter in a second vehicle and it had pulled over further along Burton Road, near the junction with Sorrell Drive in the town.

It is understood Mr Mcvey was then allegedly assaulted, said a spokesman for Derbyshire Police. the more rural areas – particularly those who don’t drive or have access to a car and struggle to reach nearby towns for medical appointments, work and education.

“People will be able to book the service and have guaranteed connections to key bus interchanges with a single ticket structure at affordable prices. We very much want to work with the district and parish councils about how we can build on the existing Moorlands Connect service and integrate this expansion with the local bus network.”

The money will also fund work at interchanges, including improved shelters and lighting.