Heartless

The bonnet, front panels and headlamps were stolen from the community transport bus on Monday.

Community transport co-ordinator Angela Canham believes the theft will cost not only hundreds of pounds to rectify but also deprive needy people of their independence.

She said: "It was just so distressing. How can they be so cold to disrupt peoples' lives - people who won't be going out again. On Thursday we're meant to take 16 disabled people out and now we can't, and they won't be able to go out at all.

"I know one lady who has been housebound for three years before we came along. It will be awful for her and we'll do everything we can."

Carole Hayes, 48, of Lakeside Close, Chigwell, was among 15 disabled people who were expecting to use the bus on Monday to visit Chigwell Disabled Group.

Speaking about the thieves, she said: "They're silly and they should pull themselves together and realise how important the bus is for disabled people. I'm sure if they were in our shoes they would probably find it important too. They've a lot of growing up to do."

Chigwell Disabled Group organiser Lee-Ann Lesage said: "It's disgraceful and horrified and can't believe they realised what affect this has on peoples' lives. I'm sure they wouldn't do it if they did - at least that's what I would like to think."

The transport scheme was set up by Chigwell Parish Council, Epping Town Council, Moreton, Bobbingworth and The Lavers Parish Council and Theydon Bois Parish Council in November 2004 to help people who lack private transport and find public transport difficult to use.

The scheme, run through Voluntary Action Epping Forest, provides a two-day, flexible, driver-assisted service throughout the district.

Epping-based crime reduction officer Tony Ellis said: "This act is both malicious and thoughtless. The people responsible should think they may be reliant on this type of vehicle one day. How would they feel if they were confined to their home by the actions of a few irresponsible idiots?"