GETTING to church in Okehampton this Easter has never been easier thanks to a new experimental service set to be launched on Easter Sunday (April 11).
The new service will enable church-goers, particularly those who are elderly or disabled, to get to the parish church of All Saints more easily on Sunday mornings.
For the next three months, in conjunction with Okehampton Taxis, the church will be providing a mini-bus service to take people from the town up to church and home again afterwards.
The curate of All Saints, the Rev Mark Thomas, said: ?Several people, particularly if they are elderly or disabled, are put off walking to church because of the steep climb.
?This service, which is in addition to a car sharing service already in place, will enable them to worship at their parish church without having to worry about who is going to give them a lift.?
Initially, there will be five pick-up points, starting at the Exeter Road end of Limehayes Road at 10.30am, then picking up at the Crediton Road end of Limehayes Road, followed by a brief stop at the bottom of Leaholes Avenue before going to the bus stop on East Street, by the top end of Mill Road and finally picking up outside the Post Office at around 10.45am.
This schedule may be revised in light of demand.
The mini-bus, which has facilities for wheel-chair access including a tail-lift, will then do the reverse journey after the church service in order to get people home well in time for lunch.
Mr Thomas said there would be no formal charge, but donations towards the cost will be invited on a ?what you can afford? basis, up to £2.
Although it is quite in order to turn up at one of the stops on Easter Sunday, Mr Thomas said it would be helpful if those intending to use the mini-bus service could let him know beforehand.
He can be contacted on 01837 54263. If the scheme proves popular, there is no reason why it should not continue, but a review based on demand will be made after three months.