A VOLUNTARY car scheme – relied upon by over 250 elderly and housebound people in Watchet and Williton – could have to cut its services unless more drivers can be found.

A crisis meeting of Wheels, which has provided a transport lifeline in the area for the past 12 years, heard that the service was now under such pressure that requests for lifts were being turned down.

“This is something we hoped we would never have to do,” said Wheels chairman Michael Freeman.

“We are desperate for new drivers and trip organisers and the pressure we are under is putting the whole service under threat.

“Demand has grown by at least ten per cent a year.

“When we started, I remember thinking that we might be doing a dozen jobs a week. Now we are doing up to 40 and the organisation just can’t cope without more help.”

The service offers transport to housebound people for hospital, medical and dental appointments, shopping trips and social events.

The current team of 20 drivers had to increase by at least ten. Wheels also needs two more organisers to join the five now co-ordinating the service.

“Some drivers do several trips a week, while others can only spare the time to do occasional journeys," said Michael.