A LIFELINE transport service is appealing for more volunteer drivers to cope with growing demand across the Dursley area.
For more than 50 years, the Dursley Good Neighbours Scheme has provided a much-needed transport service for elderly and disabled people.
The volunteer group helps people who do not qualify for NHS transport to get to hospital, clinic, GP surgery or dental appointments.
Over the past year the group completed more than 1,200 journeys for 1,500 patients.
This includes journeys to and from Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Cheltenham General Hospital, Stroud General Hospital and Vale Community Hospital in Dursley.
Some patients are also driven further afield to Bristol.
In November, the group was previously looking for a new transport coordinator as Dawn and David Elsdon retired after organising the group for more than 20 years.
The position has now been filled by Carol Bracken.
However, the group says it urgently needs to recruit more volunteer drivers from the area so that it can meet an “increasing demand”.
If anyone is interested in becoming a volunteer driver they should call 07436 430269.
The scheme covers Dursley and the surrounding area including Berkeley, Stinchcombe, North Nibley, Slimbridge, Cambridge, Cam, Coaley, Uley, Sharpness and Purton.
Patients contribute to fuel costs, and the scheme receives some funding from Gloucestershire County Council as well as local town and parish councils.
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