A VOLUNTEER co-ordinator is needed to help keep a vital community car service on the road.

Sydling St Nicholas is faced with the closure of its country car scheme if a new co-ordinator cannot be found by the end of the month.

The scheme, which is supported by Dorset County Council, helps people who are not able to use public transport make vital trips to medical centres and dentists or trips to see family and friends in hospital.

There are 12 schemes across the country, each run by a co-ordinator, and there are about 80 volunteer drivers who are paid a mileage allowance and receive requests from the local co-ordinator, who receives up to £30 a year to cover administrative and telephone expenses.

Dorset County Council’s passenger transport officer Paul Cooper said: “These schemes often offer a lifeline for those people in rural areas who are not able to use public transport or who have no other way of making essential trips.

“Sydling St Nicholas is in desperate need for a new volunteer co-ordinator to manage the local scheme.

“Unfortunately, if a volunteer co-ordinator cannot be found by the end of October, the Sydling St Nicholas scheme will be forced to close in November.”

Anyone who is interested in the role or would like to find out more can contact Mr Cooper on 01305 221736, email p.cooper@dorsetcc.gov.uk or visit www.dorsetforyou.com/countrycarscheme.