Back on road after van blaze
A CYCLING charity will soon be back on the road after a fire destroyed the van it used to get its fleet of bikes about.
Leicester Wheels for All (LWSA) suffered a blow last week when the vehicle was gutted by flames.
The charity helps disabled children and adults achieve independence through cycling and takes its adapted cycles to special schools, care homes and other venues throughout the city and county.
The van was parked in Letchworth Road, in New Parks, when it was consumed by flames.
The charity has since been unable to move its 20 bikes about but after the incident was covered by the Mercury a number of offers of help have been received.
Wheels for All is now set to take the keys of a loaned van from Leicester City Council while it arranges for a long-term replacement.
LWFA chairman Peter Simmonds said: “This will enable us to lay on sessions for our clients and bring them some much-needed fun and exercise in the run-up to Christmas.
“I’d also like to thank Midland Tail Lifts as well, for offering to fit a tail lift on a replacement van free of charge and to the organisations around the country offering a similar service to ours, who have given us practical and moral support.
“It’s given us a real boost after the shock of seeing our van go up in smoke.”
The blaze was extinguished by firefighters and the incident has been reported to the police.
Mr Simmonds added: “The van was insured and we are awaiting an update from our insurers but, whatever the result, we will have to pay an excess, and our premiums, which already form a large part of our expenditure, are bound to increase.
“Any help would be gratefully appreciated.”
The charity is also looking for somewhere to store a replacement van when it has been acquired.
If anyone can offer secure storage within the city centre, the cycling charity can be contacted at: