A 'good neighbour' community transport scheme in Trowbridge has taken delivery of new minibus to help disabled and elderly people.

Typically, Trowbridge Area Community Link’s volunteer drivers will take passengers to and from lunch clubs, day centres, hospital appointments and shopping trips.

Trowbridge Mayor, Cllr Stephen Cooper cut the tape to launch the new Trowbridge Areas Community Link minibus.

He was accompanied by Trowbridge Town Crier Trevor Heeks for the ceremony at the Studley Green Community Centre.

Tony Ryan and Nicola Blackmore with the new Trowbridge Area Community Link minibus. Tony Ryan and Nicola Blackmore with the new Trowbridge Area Community Link minibus. (Image: Trevor Porter)

Trowbridge Area Community Link is a ‘good neighbour’ scheme staffed by volunteers. Its aim is to help people who are infirm, elderly, or otherwise disadvantaged.

Nicola Blackmore, of Trowbridge Area Community Link, said: “We are very pleased to have the new minibus exactly two years on from when we started after taking over from the Guild of Community Service.

“Thank you to Steve Brackenbury and the Guild for the loan of one of their buses to enable us to do this.

“Trowbridge Area Community Link have been providing a community service for over 30 years thanks to all our volunteers.

“After taking over from the Guild, I am pleased to report that we have successfully been able to expand the services we provide and help so many more elderly and disabled residents in Trowbridge.”

Volunteer drivers with their new keyrings and the Trowbridge Area Community Link minibus.Volunteer drivers with their new keyrings and the Trowbridge Area Community Link minibus. (Image: Trevor Porter)

Mrs Blackmore also thanked volunteer drivers who were each presented with a keyring, saying: “Without their help and dedication we wouldn’t be able to provide the service we do.”

She also appealed for more volunteers to step forward to drive the minibus and use their own cars to escort members to their lunch clubs and day centres, as well as medical appointments.

Mrs Blackmore added: “We get such wonderful comments of thanks from everyone we pick up.

“I urge you all to be the best version of yourself and give a little back to feel the kindness and gratitude we get every day.”

To contact Trowbridge Area Community Link, call 07969 347042 between 9.30am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

The scheme has a new website under construction.