COMMUNITY Transport 'Reaching the parts other transport does not reach!'

It was good to read of Mr Phillips' passion for supporting local business's (Letters, November 7), and the idea of introducing mini bus shuttles from outlying areas (free car parks).

In theory this is being done through community transport — Tavistock Ring and Ride runs two mini buses daily from outlying areas bringing people (not just older people), into Tavistock to access shops, the market etc. There is also Tavistock Country Bus that also runs into Tavistock daily using designated routes from outlying villages and hamlets.

The largest provider of community transport in our area is Tavistock Area Support Services (TASS), which supports outlying villages through the Voluntary Car Scheme and five mini buses. Once people who need additional support get into Tavistock, they are also able to use Shopmobility equipment.

Each year the three local charities bring hundreds of people each month from outlying areas into Tavistock, and throughout the year these groups generate thousands of pounds to the local economy through their charitable activities.

To deliver these services, each charity has to raise its own monies to run the vehicles and purchase mobility scooters etc.

Country Bus has just secured funding to purchase a new low level access vehicle and Tavistock Area Support Services is replacing two of its fleet. Having secured funding for one, we are now raising the £45,000 for the second vehicle (any financial support would be very much appreciated).

Also, both Country Bus and Tavistock Area Support Service rely solely on the good will of volunteers, so if you can spare some time to volunteer we would love to hear from you.

For more information about these charities, please phone Tavistock Area Support Services on 01822 616958, Ring and Ride on 01822 618028 and Country Bus on 01579 382922.

Andy Lyle

Manager

Tavistock Area Support Services (TASS)