West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has backed efforts to boost the number of volunteer drivers helping out in Pershore.

Pershore Plus Volunteer Centre is looking to increase the number of helpers as it expands the area covered by its popular community transport scheme.

The MP was briefed on the ambitious plans by the charity’s chief executive Karon Swinburn during a visit to the charity headquarters in the centre of the town.

Volunteers use private cars and minibuses to offer community transport across 40 villages around Pershore and Harriett offered to lobby the Department for Transport to help the charity to expand its offering.

Community transport schemes across the county play an increasingly important role helping elderly and vulnerable people to get out and about.

Harriett said:

“Over the last few weeks, I have had some very useful meetings with the people leading community transport schemes and I am extremely impressed at the breadth of coverage, especially in very rural areas.

“The Department for Transport has previously offered community transport support and one of the Pershore Plus Volunteer Centre minibuses has benefited from this scheme.

“As well as looking to refresh the fleet, the charity is looking for new volunteers and I hope that more people will be willing to help out if they can.”

Photo: Pershore Plus Volunteer Centre CEO Karon Swinburn (left) with Harriett Baldwin MP.