From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, April 12, 2007

THE successful Wheels 2 Work scheme is extending Devonwide from Tuesday 17 April.

For the first time the project, which is part funded by Devon County Council, will be available right across the county. It will also be the first Wheels 2 Work scheme in the country to set up a Community Interest Company. This will allow it to generate income for the future of the project, on a not for private profit basis, through contract work and product sales.

Devon Wheels 2 Work will amalgamate three existing schemes. These are the TRIP Youth, Employment and Transport Initiative in Honiton, East Devon, the North Tamar CTA Wheels 2 Work programme in Holsworthy and Westden's Getting There project in West Devon.

The previous schemes only operated for people aged from 16-25 but it will now extend to those aged up to 65.

Devon County Council Chairman, Councillor Des Shadrick, who will help officially launch the project next week, said: "Wheels 2 Work has successfully helped young people reach their places of employment when they may otherwise have struggled to travel from their rural communities. Extending the scheme throughout the county and to older people will enable more people to benefit from its valuable services."

The scheme loans mopeds to people to enable them to get to work. Full training is provided along with helmet, jacket and gloves.

During the loan period, the individuals will work with staff to plan getting their own transport by the time they have ended their involvement with the scheme. This can include buying a moped through Devon Wheels 2 Work on a weekly payment plan.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment, said: "Access to rural areas, especially for those without their own transport, is difficult at the best of times. There are many communities across Devon that will now be able to benefit from the Wheels 2 Work scheme."

Councillor Humphrey Temperley, Devon County Council Executive Member for Economy, Strategic Planning and Regional Affairs, said: "The scheme is giving people the chance to independently get to work. Anything that encourages disadvantaged young people into work or training opportunities has got to be good for Devon long term and it's an economical way of helping people get started."

Marie Lockwood, 23, from Black Torrington, recently borrowed a 50cc scooter from Devon Wheels 2 Work to travel to her part time jobs at the doctor's surgery in Black Torrington and at Barn Park Nursing Home in Halwill.

Marie, who has moderate learning disabilities, was relying on lifts from her father before she was loaned the bike. Marie decided to apply for a scooter as she felt she wanted to become more independent. Her parents have said they are very pleased and extremely proud of her as they have never seen her so confident.

Marie said: "Devon Wheels 2 Work is brilliant. I felt nervous about borrowing the scooter at first but it has really built my confidence and has made a lot of difference to my life. I feel a lot happier and have gained independence."

Max Jowett, Manager of Devon Wheels 2 Work, said: "As well as providing access to work, the mopeds can be used for personal journeys which can greatly increase the independence of the individuals. By reducing their dependency on others for lifts it also reduces the number of journeys which also benefits the environment."

The scheme will operate 80 mopeds, all restricted to travelling 30mph.

Notes for Editors:

Media representatives are invited to a launch event on Tuesday 17 April at Bridge House, Station Road, Halwill Junction, Beaworthy, EX21 5XB.

Current scheme members will be available for interview at the Devon Wheels 2 Work premises from 11am and the official launch will be at 12:30pm.

For more information contact the Media and PR Office on 01392 383262.