THE coordinator of a community car scheme in Whitchurch is relieved it will be continuing, after she steps down from the role.

Linda Field is the Whitchurch Community Car Scheme coordinator but will be stepping down from the role at the end of the month after spending nearly eight years in the role due to a number of commitments, including work and family.

The volunteer scheme helps people where public transport is unsuitable or unavailable and is going to be taken on again by the Bradbury Care Centre.

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Linda spoke fondly about her time in the role and the impact it has had for people in Whitchurch.

She said: "I will be sad to leave.

"It is such a good service and the passages which use it are so grateful.

"It is good news the Bradbury Care Centre is going to be taking it back."

She added: "It is very rewarding.

"You feel like you are giving back to the community.

"The drivers are brilliant and they give as much, if not more time than I do.

"We all give a great deal of time."

Linda spoke of her relief and said many passengers had been worried about the service finishing.

She said: "I am very relieved now.

"I was positive that someone would eventually take it on. But I was worried there might be a lapse.

"We have had a couple of people who were interested, but they realised the commitment which is involved and decided it was not for them.

"I was also worried because a lot of our passengers were worried about the service going."

The service is vital for many people in Whitchurch as it enables them to travel to hospital or GP appointments."

Linda added: "It is a vital service.

"I would say that 80 percent of people who use it are older people.

"We have someone who has regular dialysis.

"It is so essential because if the patient did not receive it, it is life-threatening.

"We also get cancer patients.

"Their families are working.

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"Many can no longer drive or are not confident driving long distances.

"We've taken people to Shrewsbury and Telford, but also taken people to Leighton Hospital in Crewe and the Orthopaedic near Oswestry.

"We have also taken people for cancer treatment in Birmingham and Liverpool."

You can find out more about the Whitchurch Community Car Scheme on 07597713257.