WHEELCHAIR users and disabled people around Marlborough, who are often confined to their own homes because of a lack of suitable transport, could soon be out and about or doing a spot of Christmas shopping whenever they feel like it.

A local day care manager Haydn Warren, of Lower Fyfield, is to operate one of the first specially adapted taxis for disabled people in the Kennet area.

Families who have often found it difficult to take a disabled relative for an outing, or those in wheelchairs who want to have more independence shopping with friends or just getting out of their homes, will be able to call on the service at the weekends or in the evening, but Mr Warren is hoping to extend the service in the future.

"There are plenty of taxis in the area but this will be one of the first which has been specially adapted with side ramps to take two wheelchairs as well as three able-bodied passengers," he said.

"Not all the disabled want to have to just rely on a once a week trip in a group bus. Some want to visit friends independently or go out when they feel like it, and this taxi makes it possible to carry families all together.

"Some families with disabled youngsters find it difficult to go out together or travel.

I have got used to working with the elderly and disabled and discovered there was a real need for better transport. Even the elderly find it difficult to get on buses that have no ramp."

Mr Warren said the disabled would feel more confident if they knew the driver had had a long experience as a care manager. "It is a case of knowing that someone is specialised in dealing with some of the difficulties."

He has received his licence and the service started at the weekend. Bookings through Blueline on (01672) 861300.