ELDERLY folk and those without their own transport could soon be offered a lifeline in South Craven.

Church-goers in Kildwick are looking into the possibility of setting up a dial-a-ride service in the district.

The need for such a service was highlighted following a survey of villagers in Kildwick and Farnhill last year.

Organiser and church council member Joan Parsons told the Herald: "We put out questionnaires and called on people to ask them what their priorities were. Transport issues came in as one of the top priorities with many people suggesting a dial-a-ride scheme."

Mrs Parsons added that those questioned also highlighted a lack of regular rural bus services to take them from place to place.

"This is something which we agreed we could tackle within the community," she said.

Drivers are being sought who would join a pool of volunteers to be called upon to take those without transport on small local trips, such as to the library or to the shops. The group is also appealing to anyone who might want to use the service to get in touch so it can gauge demand.

"We're looking for volunteer drivers who would be prepared to take people on shopping trips or to the hospital, perhaps when they are making the trip themselves or on their way to work," added Mrs Parsons.

"It is just at the ideas stage at the moment and we are not in the position to offer lifts just yet.

"But the more requests and offers we receive, the more easily we shall be able to assess the feasibility of getting the scheme on the road perhaps some time later this year."

The idea has been welcomed by the South Craven Elderly Initiative.

The group's Barbara Smith said: "It sounds a wonderful idea and we support it 100 per cent."

Anyone who would like to volunteer as a driver, or who would like to use the service should contact Joan Parson on 01535 636462 or Sue Hargreaves on 01535 633777.

o Sutton's Barbara Smith attended the Westminster launch of the Better Government for Older People initiative last week.

Mrs Smith, who is a member of the North Yorkshire national advisory group, met top Government ministers and representatives from across the country.

"I was really proud to represent North Yorkshire," she said. "And the items which we flagged up were accepted and taken on board."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.