A LIFELINE for frail and elderly West Devon residents is hoping to expand its service — just weeks after fearing cuts due to funding squeezes.
Tavistock Ring and Ride, funded by the county and borough council, provides a door-to-door bus service helping people who have difficulties using regular public transport to get out and about.
In 1994 it was expanded to include a second bus on two days, in addition to the five-days-a-week service.
But before Christmas, Tavistock and District Local Transport Partnership heard Devon County Council proposed withdrawing funding for the extra bus.
Now that second bus has been saved — after an appeal from the Partnership, Tavistock Town Council and South and West Devon Health Authority have stepped in to bridge the funding gap.
Peta Humphries, chairman of West Devon Rural Transport Partnership, said: 'It was amazing, it was a very serious situation. It was saying to people "Sorry, we can't bring you in any more".
'Budgets are so tight, but this was wonderful, I was really delighted.'
Mrs Humphries said the cash boost means the additional bus will now run three days a week until March instead of just two — and there are plans to run both buses five days a week from April.
'It gives us that amount of time as a pilot to prove the service is needed and to extend it further.
'Obviously they will have to get approval but it looks fairly favourable.
She said the clients, numbering around 100, could have faced isolation and attendant knock-on effects if the service had been cut.
The service could now be extended to include areas like Lewdown, Bridestowe and Lifton.
Diane Nancholas, transport co-ordinator for Tavistock Ring and Ride, was delighted the service has been extended.
'It means we could have as many as 180 places every week. People can use it whenever they need it. Some perhaps when their families are away, some need it every week, some on an ad hoc basis,' Mrs Humphries said.
During the summer, day trips are also arranged further afield for clients, in addition to the regular service in the West Devon area.
Cllr Judith Williams, mayor of Tavistock, said the council had 'every intention' of making sure the Ring and Ride service kept running.
'Public transport isn't suitable for everyone — and there isn't enough public transport anyway,' she said.
l Any resident in the West Devon area who thinks Tavistock Ring and Ride would help them get out and about should call Diane Nancholas or Wendy Pocknell on 01822 618028 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.