Otley Action for Older People is taking to the road in its determination to tackle the particular transport needs of local people.

As well as promoting its community car scheme, which is already up and running, OAOP will launch its appeal for funds to buy a new minibus at its annual meeting today as part of its strategy to ensure that older people are able to get out and about more easily.

Councillor John Eveleigh, chairman of OAOP, said: "This is quite literally a community drive to make sure that our more frail neighbours can get out more.

"Our community car scheme already meets the needs of a number of older people when it comes to making journeys which are often difficult by public transport such as hospital appointments.

"With more volunteer drivers we will be able to expand the scheme and the number of otherwise often housebound people we are able to help.

"All too often people feel socially isolated as they get older. While our community care scheme can go some way towards helping meet individual needs, our plans to buy a new minibus will help us meet another area of need which has been identified locally - enabling us to help more older people participate in our growing programme of social events, shopping trips and outings."

Coun Eveleigh added that OAOP would welcome fundraising ideas and financial or other practical contributions from the community in support of the minibus appeal.

He also suggested that anyone who might be interested in acting as a volunteer driver for the present minibus or with the community car scheme, co-ordinated by Sheila Layton, should contact OAOP in room three at Otley Civic Centre or phone (01943) 463965.

OAOP's annual meeting takes place at the Bridge Church tomorrow, from 2pm to 3.30pm and is open to all. Information on the group's transport initiatives and other schemes will be available.

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