COMMUNITY transport pioneers Gail Hall and Trish West are celebrating a successful bid for funds as local authorities cut bus subsidies and reduce services in rural areas.

Thousands of pounds will go to Gail’s volunteer ring-to-ride service in Swaledale, and to a fledgling project in Wensleydale planned by Trish.

The women told a meeting of the Upper Wensleydale Industrial and Provident Society, which recently sold its own community bus and wanted to donate its remaining funds to suitable charities, that the services they offered would be complementary and would plug an ever-widening gap in public provision.

“For small, independent operators like ourselves it is very difficult to maintain a service to our local communities and the situation will only get worse as more money is withdrawn and demand increases,” said Gail.

Loose change boxes in local shops and pubs had raised over a thousand pounds in one year, and numerous fundraising events had meant that the Reeth Community Transport scheme had survived.

“We’ve had afternoon teas to buy new tyres and generous donations from holidaymakers but we want to grow, not just survive. GPs want us to get people from remote rural areas to the doctors’ surgery and we provide a vital social function, especially for elderly people who would otherwise be isolated and alone,” she said. Apart from taking people to and from appointments, the service also offers shopping expeditions and social outings.

Trish West, meanwhile, outlined detailed plans for a Wensleydale Wheels service for Upper Wensleydale. It would be a door-to-door, accessible service to enable people to attend healthcare appointments, including doctors, dentists, hospitals and fitness sessions, using a core of two cars, owned by the scheme and driven by volunteers.

She wanted to “rescue and revive” the provident society, which currently had 14 active members, to oversee the transport scheme, with increased membership and a six-strong committee. Already she had recruited 30 new members.

Members of the society agreed in principle to the proposals, and said the remaining funds of around £14,000, less legal and other fees, would be shared 60/30 between the Wensleydale and Swaledale schemes, and a donation of the remaining 10 per cent would go to the Dales School at Aiskew. A decision on the transfer of funds and responsibilities would be notified to the charity commission and other appropriate bodies.

Gail Hall’s ring-to-ride service is on 01748 880021. Trish West can be contacted on 01969 650172.

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Betsy Everett