A volunteer community transport service has said they are delighted at a grant enabling them to continue with their lifeline service.

South Dartmoor Community Energy has expressed its support of Ivybridge and District Community Transport Association by selecting it to receive funds that will help to pay for the coordination of vital transport services to disadvantaged people in the area, which is provided by volunteer drivers.

The money will help the association maintain and develop its essential service for residents of Sparkwell, Cornwood and Shaugh Prior, where it presently has to operate at a loss in order to provide for a small but entirely reliant number of aged, rurally/socially isolated or otherwise immobile residents.

One 95 year old passenger commented that Ring & Ride enabled her to get out and do her shopping and was vital to her maintaining her independence. Another reported that the Ring & Ride bus was her lifeline and social life, without which she would neither be able to get out from her house nor socialise with anyone.

Manager of IDCTA, Alex Thom, expressed his delight that the work done by the association and its volunteers had received this vital support and thanked Katie Reville, Director of South Dartmoor Community Energy, who presented the award.

Mr Thom said: “The money received will do much toward helping disadvantaged people in these deprived regions and is a further step forward in the association’s goal of enabling people in adversity and old age to be socially included, maintain their independence and to get “fresh air” in to their life as well as their lungs.’

Katie Reville also commented: “The SDCE Directors were all very keen to support Ivybridge and District Community Transport Association as we all know what a vital service they provide to people in the rural villages and how they help to reduce social isolation.”

The energy group, whose aims also include addressing local sustainability challenges, recognised the association’s work in reducing carbon emissions and supporting fuel poverty in the area through providing ‘Ring and Ride’ transport services and vital transport links for the community.

The award comes just after the IDCTA received news that they are to receive a new wheelchair accessible minibus from the Department for Transport. The award, given under the DfT Minibus Fund scheme, aims to improve lives in rural areas through providing crucial links to shops, social events and medical services and is another clear indication of the invaluable work done by the association in providing for the community.

The new vehicle is due to arrive later this year and will be an invaluable addition to the associations ageing vehicle in meeting the special transportation needs of more people across South Hams.

Any support you can offer the IDCTA will make a difference to someone’s life. Volunteers are needed, as minibus drivers and office staff, for approximately one hour per week, and donations are always needed. Please contact Alex Thom on: 01752 690 444.