A NEW community car scheme has been launched for residents of Nether Stowey and Over Stowey who have difficulty using or accessing public transport.
The Stowey Shuttle began last week, the latest not for profit, community-led, car-based travel scheme in West Somerset, and will be operated by volunteer drivers using their own vehicles.
It was initiated by village agent Alison Hoare, who organised a community meeting together with Somerset County Council’s Moving Forward initiative. Local community volunteers then came together and set up the scheme.
It is primarily intended for health and care-related appointments and depending on capacity, may develop to cover other things such as shopping trips.
“Our villages are already very neighbourly and community orientated but the addition of this travel scheme should help make them even better places to live,” said Nigel Philips, the scheme’s new chairman.
“After some great work from our village agent setting up preliminary meetings, we now have a ready to go community car scheme.”
The cost to passengers is worked out on miles travelled, which they will be told before booking. Drivers offer their time freely and just receive mileage expenses.
The scheme is supported by grants from Nether Stowey Parish Council and the West Somerset Car Scheme Partnership. For further details ring 07943923742.