Uttlesford Community Travel will meet the transport needs of even more disadvantaged people in the future, its new transport manager, John Wells, pledged this week.

Mr Wells, who took up his appointment this month, will be working to increase the scheme's current membership of almost 400.

He promises to be a ''hands-on'' manager, driving the service's green and yellow liveried vehicles and meeting existing and potential users.

"Uttlesford Community Travel has been operating for 18 months now and is clearly meeting a great need for accessible transport in and around the Uttlesford are," he said.

"However, there is a misconception by many members of the public that you have to be old or disabled to use our service.

"I would like to assure everyone that all those without cars or access to local bus services can join UCT even if they are fit and healthy.

"We provide door to door rates and the service is available to residents throughout the Uttlesford district."

Mr Wells brings to the job over 20 years experience in the transport industry, having worked for British Rail since 1978.

For the past decade he has been a volunteer coach driver, organising trips out for local groups with special needs.

"I plan to continue to drive for UCT, I want to be a hands-on manager," he said. "My main aim is to get the service to more people, to enable people to travel who wouldn't be able to otherwise. To be able to help people lead a normal life and do the things the rest of us take for granted is very worthwhile."

UCT, supported by Essex County Council, offers wheelchair accessible, door to door transport for people including the elderly, disabled people, the socially or economically disadvantaged, especially those living in areas not served by public transport.

Membership of the scheme is £5 a year, with each journey up to two miles costing £1.60, then 25p for each additional mile.

Mr Wells would like to hear from volunteers who would be interested in helping with UCT - especially in a fund-raising and publicity capacity.

He would also welcome contact from anyone who has views on the service and can be contacted at UCT, 12b Stortford Road, Great Dunmow or by calling 01371 875787.

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