MP And Police Commissioner Look Good On a Bicycle Built For Two

The police and crime commissioner and a local MP are getting wheelie behind a centre for homeless people in Swindon.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, Angus Macpherson, and MP for South Swindon Robert Buckland, will ride one of two tandems being launched for people to hire by The Salvation Army social enterprise Recycles.

Recycles is operated by residents at The Salvation Army’s Booth House Lifehouse who gain skills such as cycle repair and maintenance as well as customer service. Customers benefit from affordable, restored bikes to buy, a professional repair service, an employee cycle loan scheme funded by Swindon Borough Council and now the option of hiring a bike made for two.

The MP and Commissioner’s involvement on April 7 launches two tandems, donated to Recycles and named William and Bramwell after two of the first leaders of The Salvation Army, which will be available to hire for £30 for a day, or £45 to include a picnic.

The MP and Commissioner’s tandem ride took place at 9am at Swindon County Ground Athletic Track.

The tandems have been restored thanks to a grant of £500 from Link2Nature - Wiltshire & Swindon Local Nature Partnership. They will also be available for use by Enrych, who facilitate adults with disabilities, to access leisure, learning and sporting opportunities.   Representatives from Enrych and Link2Nature will be attending the tandem launch. The Sandwich People, another social enterprise based at Booth House Lifehouse – which gives the residents there the opportunity to learn food preparation, customer service, and health and safety skills - will provide bacon rolls for the launch.

Liz Osborne, Programme Co-ordinator at Booth House, said: “The two new tandems have been restored by our team providing another great opportunity to develop new skills.”

Brian Gibbs, Southern Regional Manager for The Salvation Army, said: “Recycles helps people rebuild their lives whilst providing a valuable service and resource for the community. We show people a way back into work and help them realise their full potential. By helping them gain self-confidence and a belief in their future we see individuals grow, develop, feel valued and contribute to their local community.”