Cash for community car scheme

Brentwood Community Transport has been awarded £37,000 over three years by the Countryside Agency to develop its Social Car Scheme.

The scheme uses volunteer drivers and their vehicles to offer transport to residents of the Brentwood area who have restricted mobility or who may be rurally isolated - allowing them to choose where and when they want to go.

To celebrate the award, 50 Social Car Scheme users and volunteer drivers accompanied local dignitaries to an event at Hutton Poplars Hall in Brentwood. The occasion was marked by the cutting of a large cake and entertainment by a local jazz band.

"Since the Social Car Scheme was launched in January 2002 membership has steadily increased and now comprises 116 people," said Essex County Councillor Norman Hume. "This funding will us to develop the scheme further although we still need more volunteer drivers to help improve the quality of the service."

Brentwood Community Transport works in partnership with Essex County Council, Brentwood Borough Council and Essex Rural Transport Partnership. Anybody can be a volunteer driver if they hold a current driving licence and time available.

Further information is available from the scheme's co-ordinator Andrew James on 01277 261111 (Ext. 527) .