Devon County Council

From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, December 17, 2007

DEVON County Councillors will pay a fact-finding visit to the Crediton and District Community Transport service tomorrow. (Tuesday 18 December)

Councillor Margaret Rogers and Councillor Nick Way will use the charity's regular Ring and Ride bus to Copplestone and Bow to gauge passengers' views on the service and to meet the volunteers that help in its operation. This will be followed by a meeting with Crediton Community Transport's new manager Kevin Yarnley and new chairman of the Crediton Community Transport Association Peter Beeching.

Crediton and District Community Transport provides a number of services for the elderly and disabled people including Ring and Ride, Voluntary Car Scheme and an Accessible Car Scheme. The charity allows residents who live in areas where there is no public transport or local services, the opportunity to access the doctors' surgery, hospital, dentist and also to local shops

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment, said: "Community transport is vital for people living in outlying villages around Crediton. We want to know what people think of the service, how it's meeting their needs, how it's helping them in their everyday lives, and how it can be improved. It's also a good chance to meet the dedicated volunteers who are invaluable in keeping the service on the road."

Councillor Nick Way, Devon County Councillor for Crediton Rural, said: "This is one of the main community transport organisations in Devon. It has a lot of potential and is doing a good job, and we want to show that Devon County Council supports such an important asset."

The Ring and Ride bus will leave Crediton at 9:40am and will return by 11am.

Notes for Editors:

Media representatives are invited to a photo opportunity at 9:30am at the Crediton and District Community Transport Office at the Old Surgery, High Street, Crediton, or at the Congregational Church, High Street, Crediton, at 10:45am.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, 01297 680384.

Councillor Nick Way, 01363 777903.