COMMUNITY groups across Burnley and Pendle are being asked for their views on proposals to create a vehicle sharing scheme to provide transport for the disabled.

Efforts by Community Accessible Transport (CAT), a charity based at Colne Town Hall, to help disabled and infirm people get out and about have so far been thwarted by a lack of suitable minibuses.

Now organisers are hoping other local groups with minibuses will pool their vehicles with CAT's seven-strong fleet to provide a better service.

In return other organisations could benefit by getting income from renting out their buses or even hand over their running to CAT to cut costs.

Melanie Smith of CAT said: "Community Accessible Transport is a charity that aims to supply community groups with minibuses when they are required for trips, either for shopping or perhaps for groups who want a day out.

"However, there are only a limited number of minibuses available for this purpose and we are researching a new scheme of vehicle sharing." Melanie said there could be advantages in the pool scheme for community groups, particularly if their minibus is not used every day.

"It's better for a group to get some income and, at the same time, help people get out and about, rather than have a minibus standing doing nothing," she said.

"CAT could book the bus and, if necessary, provide a driver and it could be used by other groups who cannot afford their own transport. They could hire the vehicle at an affordable cost and that would provide the owner with an income."

Melanie is keen to hear from local groups, both from those who own minibuses and those who do not but would be interested in the scheme.

She can be contacted on 01282 661100.

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