A VOLUNTARY car transport scheme has been launched in an Exmoor village to fill in the gaps in provision for people with transport issues.

The Wootton Courtenay Village Transport Scheme is being co-ordinated by members of Sustainable Wootton Courtenay (SWC).

The door to door service will help villagers attend medical appointments and other occasions, or to do their shopping or meet up socially with others.

Volunteer drivers will use their own cars with users paying a small fixed contribution per vehicle trip to help cover fuel costs.

A SWC spokesperson said: “We encourage villagers to make use of this scheme, which is run by villagers for villagers.

“We are delighted that several kind villagers have already offered to volunteer as drivers for this scheme.

“The idea is to keep things simple and small scale, making it as easy as possible to connect volunteer drivers with villagers who may need a lift.

“This community transport scheme is run by local volunteers to help you get to appointments and shopping trips safely, comfortably, and affordably.

“Sharing cars also helps reduce our village’s carbon footprint.

“Where appropriate, villagers will be encouraged to use existing transport options, such as the Slinky and AtWest schemes, before using our small village transport scheme.

“Your driver will collect you from home, help you safely into the car, and drop you outside your destination.

“Drivers can lift and store walking frames, sticks, or heavy shopping bags in the boot.

“Your driver will call the evening before your trip to introduce themselves and confirm your pick-up time.

“If the co-ordinator matches you with other villagers heading to the same place, you can split the cost between you.”

Anybody interested in helping with the scheme or who wants to book a journey should call transport co-ordinator Barbara O’Keefe on 07974 417011 or email to [email protected].