The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
The South Holland Parish Voluntary Car Service has appealed for more drivers to help out during the coronavirus pandemic.
The service covers most towns and villages in the district and is trying to ensure there is cover if lots of people request transport to get their COVID vaccine, in addition to the day to day appointments it presently deals with.
Chairman Angela Newton said: “We would normally have around 60 drivers available but several are also having to shield at this time.”
Drivers don’t have to give a set amount of time each week, they can indicate to the organisers what days and time they will be available, and that can change from week to week.
Greg Greene is co-ordinator of the scheme and decided to become a driver when he retired from the RAF.
He said: “Many of the passengers live on their own and enjoy having someone who will take them to hospital/medical appointment and wait for them and take them home.
“Often we take passengers to Boston, Peterborough, Addenbrookes, Sheffield, Lincoln and Spalding hospital, as well as for dental, eye and foot appointments.”
The cost of booking the service is 35p per mile, which works out about £7 for a 20 mile round trip, with a minimum charge of £4 for more local journeys up to 11 miles.
The scheme pays drivers an additional 10p per mile raised from parish precepts, donations received from individuals, local charities and fundraising.
For more information email greggreene2003@yahoo.co.uk or call 01775 630144 or call Angela on 07939 559764.
