In 2002 the Government's Rural Bus Challenge enabled the introduction of a door-to-door shopping service in North Wealden. While establishing a need, the funding was only for three years.
Faced with the demise of a now popular service in 2005, a milestone agreement between six Parish and Town Councils, Wealden District Council and the Crowborough Partnership was set up. This agreement was to provide sufficient funding to continue the service. In the early days the service was contracted out, first to Brighton and Hove Community Transport and then with CTLA (Community Transport for the Lewes Area).
In late 2006 a meeting of the six parish councils and other interested parties was held in Crowborough at which it was agreed to form a company to be known as the North Wealden Community Transport Partnership. This became a reality with an appointed board of Trustees in November 2007. Charitable status followed in August 2008. It was always envisaged the NWCTP would acquire and operate their own vehicles as soon as funds would allow.
Throughout 2010 the board of trustees drew up a business plan which qualified NWCTP to successfully apply for relevant grants which have enabled us to purchase our own vehicles. In March 2011 we took delivery of a purpose built 15 seat fully accessible Peugeot Boxer Minibus which has enabled us to operate the WEALDLINK shopper service at greatly reduced cost. A second pre owned vehicle was purchased in July 2011 to cover servicing and other contingencies.
Today as the demand for our services has increased we now operate 5 vehicles.
Wealdlink is currently governed by a Board of 6 Trustees.
