A WOMAN from West Devon is urging people to take full advantage of a local transport lifeline. writes Lindsay Turpin.

Diana Buteux from Tavistock has expressed her gratitude and fondness for the Tavistock and District Local Transport Partnership, also known as Ring and Ride — but wants more people to be aware of its existence.

The service is a registered charity and helps people in isolated rural locations and people who find public transport difficult to use.

Mrs Buteux uses the buses but said she is shocked that more people do not take advantage of the 'brilliant' service which helps people all over West Devon.

She said: 'For those who find it difficult to get around it is a great service, not just for those who are retired.

'I know of one woman who goes to Plymouth using the service, and she wouldn't be able to get around without it.'

But she also expressed her concern that if the service was not used to its full capacity then it could disappear:

'Things are disappearing for the needy — if you don't use it then it will disappear. I would rather see the bus half full than empty, and it would be sad if it stops.'

But with funding from Devon, West Devon, Tavistock and parish councils, organisers have this week reassured users that this was 'unlikely' to happen.

Peta Humphries, trustee of the Tavistock and District Local Transport Partnership, said: 'The charity is funded by many authorities — we are very fortunate to keep the funding from all the statutory bodies and I don't visualise it finishing.

'We have two buses and two drivers — Martin Walters and Simon Hall — who help people to their door or with their shopping, and take them to Tavistock to do their shopping.

'I think this is an asset to the community and works like a club, as regular users who know each other support one another.

'It is a vitally important link to keep people accessing the community.'

The Ring and Ride service works off a timetable with certain areas allocated on certain days. It covers Tavistock, Princetown, Yelverton, Buckland, Mary Tavy, Peter Tavy, Bere Alston, Horrabridge, Lewdown, Chillaton, Milton Abbot and Lifton, and many more.

For residents in the nearby villages the cost is £2 for a return and for people in Tavistock it is £1.50 return.

To use the service call Ring and Ride on 01822 618028.