VOLUNTEERS in a vital Bishop's Castle community transport scheme are planning to expand the service, despite a year of mounting problems including the theft and write-off of their original vehicle.

The co-ordinating committee of the area's Dial-a-Ride scheme has now replaced a bus lost this summer when two young tearaways stole the vehicle from Enterprise House and drove it 90 miles before overturning it in a field.

But leaders say despite the setback they will bite-the-bullet and plan for an expansion of their service this year because of the high level of demand.

It is hoped a new bus will be funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and that more people will rally to a stepped-up appeal for volunteer drivers.

Chairman Ken Monks said: " We have been going nine years and when it started I reckoned that if 40 people offered an hour a week driving or gave four hours a month we would be covered.

Big need

"But here we are still keeping going on just five regular drivers with myself and Stan Harrison, and his wife Norma in a carer role, doing a stint every day.

"Yet there is a big need for transport in rural areas where there are by no means enough buses."

An annual meeting at the end of last month heard there was a high level of demand on the Dial a Ride and Community Car Scheme over the year 2002 to 2003 with a total 4,800 passengers carried by Dial a Ride. About 1,600 of these was brought into the town from outlying car parks during the Michaelmas Fair and Christmas Lights celebration.

An application had been made for a new vehicle that would be large enough to meet demand for group outings from, for instance, residential homes.

Mr Monks said: "We are very much in need of more volunteer drivers who would have to give us no more than a couple of hours a week. The lack of bus services in this area gives rise to a lot of demand, not just from the elderly but also from younger people such as mothers with young children and anyone of any age with transport problems."

A new volunteer secretary is also sought for six to eight evenings a year.

Anyone who can help should call Adrian Varcoe on 01588 638350.