Mark Garnier, Wyre Forest's MP, yesterday spent the morning working with the Bewdley based Community Transport Helpline. Community Transport Helpline is one of two Wyre Forest volunteer groups who provide transport services for people who find it difficult to use public transport. Working in a manner similar to a taxi service, the group has two dedicated disabled vehicles as well as dozens of volunteer drivers who provide the use of their own cars.
Users can contact CTH to book their service and charges are at a similar rate to bus services, but the service is from door to door. CTH covers the whole of the north Worcestershire region and will take people anywhere in the country.
Mark Garnier joined volunteer driver Derek Austin in the disabled minivan for the morning to see for himself how the service works.
Mark said "During my rounds meeting people on the doorstep, I come across many people who find it difficult to use public transport through either disability or age. Community Transport Helpline is the answer to their problems in that it is dedicated to just these needs and gives a lifeline to people who may be otherwise confined to their homes.
"I have known of CTH for sometime and I was very keen to be able to help promote their services, not just because not everyone knows about them, but because they are always looking for volunteers to help deliver the service. And like any volunteer charity, help can be delivered through acting as a volunteer driver, through fundraising, or simply through joining up as a Friend of CTH.
"Both CTH and Wyre Forest Dial-a-Ride are important local resources, and I would certainly urge people to contact them either if they can help them or if they need their help."
People wanting to help CTH can contact Vince Taylor on 01299 405832. For people who would like to learn more about their services can contact them on the bookings number 01299 405820. For more information, e-mail cthltd@gotadsl.co.uk