COMMUNITY transport charity Wivey Link has added a new vehicle to its fleet - and extended the area in which it works to include Watchet and more of Exmoor.

The iconic red fleet of vehicles helps combat rural isolation by way of a membership taxi service.

It can be used by people of all ages and for any reason if they do not have any access to public or private transport.

The charity’s new car was acquired after a successful bid to the Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund.

Wivey Link manager Bec Briar said it meant new areas and customers could be developed.

Ms Briar said: “West Somerset ranks very high nationally for poor social mobility and the inadequate transport connectivity exacerbates this.

Wivey Link volunteer driver Christine Brooker with passengers Beryl Lovell (rear) and Gwen Burnett.
Wivey Link volunteer driver Christine Brooker with passengers Beryl Lovell (rear) and Gwen Burnett. (Contributed)

“Wivey Link aims to facilitate transport throughout the community and this has widespread benefits to people’s lives and also the rural economy.

“That applies to young and old, whether for attending leisure activities, appointments, or simply getting to work.

“The new car will enable our valuable service to grow further and help more people.

“Donations from locals are such an important part of our funding so this greater profile will bring more support throughout West Somerset which we return back to the community through better accessibility.”

The charity also aims to deliver essential services by keeping older, disabled, and isolated people connected to healthcare, education, employment, and their communities.

About 8,000 people living in the ‘10 Parishes’ area in and around Wiveliscombe are eligible to become members for an annual fee starting at £25, and trips then costing £1.60 a mile.

Wivey Link passenger Beryl Lovell is safely seated by volunteer driver Christine Brooker.
Wivey Link passenger Beryl Lovell is safely seated by volunteer driver Christine Brooker. (Contributed)

The charity’s eligible zone is being increased to include Dulverton and Watchet.

One Wivey Link member, Beryl Lovell, of Wiveliscombe, uses the service frequently, including travelling to and from the Monday Club for seniors in Wiveliscombe Community Centre.

Ms Lovell said: “Everybody is so friendly and helpful, it makes my life easier.

“They also take me to a group at the rugby club and also to the eye clinic.”

Fellow traveller Gwen Burnett said: “If it was not for Wivey Link I would not go anywhere.

“It has been helping me for 12 years.”

Christine Brooker, who has been a volunteer driver with the charity for five years, said she feels ‘satisfaction and fulfilment’ from being involved.

Ms Brooker said: “My mum used to use it and I have now been a driver for five years.

“We will be busy in coming weeks with the Christmas season which brings an extra wide range of customer requirements”

A new addition to Wivey Link's community transport fleet is allowing the charity to expand its customer base and operating area.
A new addition to Wivey Link's community transport fleet is allowing the charity to expand its customer base and operating area. (Contributed)

Wivey Link, which is always looking for more volunteer drivers, currently has about 400 members in an area which now stretches from Uffculme and Willand in the Culm Valley to the Quantock Hills to the West Somerset coast and southern Exmoor.

It relies on donations to keep operating as for every £1 paid by passengers it has to find another £1 to cover the journey’s running costs, including insurance, vehicle maintenance, volunteer training, and office costs.

More details about Wivey Link can be found on its website.