LYDIARD Link is having to extend its volunteer driver services to Purton because the number of good neighbours in its current area has led to a drop in custom.

The scheme provides community transport for the elderly and disadvantaged who are unable to drive themselves or use public transport.

Chairman Tom Pepperall, who was part of the group that set up the scheme 15 years ago, told the Advertiser: “It was either expand into Purton or fold because we just were not getting enough clients to warrant keeping the volunteer drivers busy.”

He explained that normally the volunteers would have around 15 customers a month, but it had tailed off. “I think in Lydiard a lot of it is down to good neighbourliness. People will get family or neighbours to take them.”

He said: “We were faced with losing most of our drivers through lack of use and it was suggested that adding Purton to the area would be a solution.”

Mr Pepperall said the drivers took clients to appointments at the Great Western Hospital as well as other primary care centres. They also took people to do their shopping and attend clubs.

After yesterday’s vote to expand the service he said they would be looking for new drivers.

But following concerns expressed by Purton Age Concern’s minibus co-ordinator Hazel Woodbridge about the potential for its volunteer drivers to be poached, he stressed they would only be looking for car drivers.

“I don’t think our few Lydiard volunteers are going to be able to cope with a five-fold increase in the number of requests,” he said. The new services would start on June 1 It was also made clear that unlike the Age Concern service, the Link would only take customers to destinations outside the village. Potential volunteers can call 01793 855842.