The proposal from the New Deal Community Engagement Team is to use the SuperTruck for a wide variety of initiatives (see Out and about with New Deal!) and to raise the profile of the New Deal and Burngreave. When the Messenger was asked to report on the initiative, and learnt that the purchase of the SuperTruck had been approved without firm plans for its use, management and running costs, at first we reacted with horror.

When community groups struggle for years to develop projects with closely monitored outputs, and must prove they can fund themselves in the future, how could the New Deal approve its own ideas so easily and without the project fully developed? Wouldn’t the money be better spent on improving existing buildings? The same amount of money could buy three mini-buses that could be driven by people with normal car licences?

But when we sent Rob Smith to investigate, he came back convinced the idea might just work…

The New Deal in Derby have already bought a bus from Vipex and reports from that community are all good. They hire it out and have watched it become the pride of the city.

I started to get the hang of the idea… so Sheffield Community Transport could house the vehicle! We could then employ a local person to be the official driver, and a possible trainee apprentice? What about petrol? Well, community groups and other users could pay a charge for use of the vehicle. That could well cover petrol costs.

Burngreave then makes a visible appearance at Devonshire Green and all focus would surely be on and around our great big truck. Followed by us being live at the Sheffield Show, the Burngreave truck would surely put us on the map. Whatever and wherever the event, watch this space for the big colourful Burngreave bus.

What do you think?

The Engagement Team are still collecting ideas for the SuperTruck and plans for what should go in and how it should look are not yet finalised. Contact Carol Anderson on 292 0460 and let her know what you think.

The Messenger is conducting its own online Supertruck poll (see left), so submit your vote!

We also want to hear your views, and have set up a discussion area on our Bulletin Boards (In the Local Government and New Deal section). Give your opinion on what you think the truck could be used for, and what you think of the idea.