RESTRICTIONS resulting from the Coronavirus pandemic have left a vital Melksham transport service short of drivers.
Melksham Link takes residents (mostly elderly) who have difficulties using public transport, to medical and hospital appointments.
It is appealing for volunteers aged under 70 because most of its current drivers are older and have not restarted driving for the service, following lockdown.
Dee Phesse, co-ordinator and committee member, said, “We are currently experiencing a steady increase in requests for transport from clients – nothing like pre-Covid, but the increase has resulted in us having to turn people away.
“The reason being, most of our drivers are over 70, and still not driving for us, either by choice or because of the numerous and difficult procedures that are necessary to protect both client and driver. The bottom line is we need some under 70 drivers to join our team.”
She added, “I can’t stress enough how much we value all our current drivers, and look forward to offering them trips when it’s safe to do so.”
In January the charity became the first recipient of the new Group of the Year award in the Melksham New’ annual Person of the Year competition, with the winners being chosen by a panel of judges.
Drivers must be car owners. The person being taken to their appointment gives a donation [envelope provided] which is sealed and handed to the driver who passes it on to the treasurer.
A fuel allowance of 45p per mile is paid, which is the maximum allowed by the government.
The role involves as much or as little time, to suit individual drivers. There is no regular commitment to a regular day or time.
Anyone who is interested and has a bit of spare time, is friendly and outgoing and loves driving, can contact Melksahm Link by email ing melkshamlink@gmail. com or phoning 07979 129052.
