CREDITON and District Community Transport Association has responded to questions posed by the “Crediton Courier” following the recent introduction of increased charges introduced for users of the service’s Volunteer Car Service.

Sarah Holmes, Transport Co-Ordinator, Crediton and District Community Transport Association working in partnership with Tiverton and District Community Transport Association, said: “To enable us to continue providing our vital services we had no option but to raise our Volunteer Car Service charges.

“Please consider that they haven’t been raised in more than six years.

“We have been serving the community for 25 years and we aim to continue our vital services for another 25 (if not more).”

Sarah continued: “In recent years we gratefully received a grant from Devon County Council of between £6,000 and £8,000 per year.

“Sadly in 2015 this ceased, therefore leaving us a large deficit to fill.

“We currently receive a small amount from our local car forums (£500) but do not receive any other grants towards the Volunteer Car Service. The scheme itself is a not-for-profit scheme, we are simply trying to ensure we cover all our costs of running such a valuable service.”

Sarah said that the association would be hosting various funding activities throughout the year whilst continuing to apply for a variety of funding grants.

She added: “However, in light of the struggles that Community Transport organisation’s will also be having, the grant income market will be flooded with applicants.

“Therefore we also need to seek other income generation.

“A sponsorship programme will begin this April.

“It will give an opportunity for local businesses to get involved with our organisation and allow us to promote our vital services.

“In order to help our sustainability, our committee has decided to introduce a scheme membership, which we began introducing in January.

“The Membership costs just £10 for the year and every member will be given a unique number which will be entered into an annual draw.”

She said that membership of the organisation will not only help TDCTA head towards a brighter future after all the funding cuts, but it will allow members to take a more in-depth role in how they wish the organisation to operate in the future.

Sarah added that there will be regular questionnaires and “friends of” groups, whilst selecting ambassadors to help promote the schemes it offers and seeking new ideas.

She continued: “Please remember that we are always trying to find new ways to serve and help the people of Crediton and surrounding areas with their transport needs.”

TDCTA has been providing accessible, affordable transport to help frail, elderly, disabled and rurally isolated people get out and about since 1989.

It aims to provide, promote or co-ordinate suitable transport for individuals, charitable organisations and groups in order to increase independence and mobility, combat isolation and improve access to local services and facilities.

The Crediton office is located at the Council Offices, Market Street, Crediton. For further details visit the website: www.creditoncommunitytransport.org.uk .

The new Ring and Ride Service TDCTA operates to Tiverton from Crediton, Sandford, Shobrooke and Cheriton Fitzpaine and will next run on Friday, March 18.

To book please telephone the Crediton and District Community Transport Association Office on 01363 773303.

Alan Quick