On behalf of the West Somerset Car Scheme Partnership, I would like to reiterate the comments made by Barbara Middleton in last week’s Free Press.

That Somerset County Council is continuing the present fare arrangements for 2018-19 is very welcome news for all the car schemes within the partnership.

Fifteen voluntary car schemes with 200 volunteer drivers cover virtually all of West Somerset. They provide a vital service to many, particularly elderly, people in the community.

In the recent 12 months they have carried in excess of 3,300 passengers on more than 5,775 journeys covering over 55,000 miles. The vast majority of these journeys (75 per cent plus) have been medically related.

The partnership is extremely grateful to the West Somerset county councillors, both past and present, who have given, and continue to give, their support and also to county council officer Nick Margison.

Jean Humber, Secretary, West Somerset Car Scheme Partnership.