Transport group vows to continue saying many people they help 'almost live in a permanent virtual lockdown'
Volunteers at a South Devon-based community transport group say they will continue to operate during the second national lockdown to help those 'almost living in a virtual lockdown all of the time'.
Last updated 12th Nov 2020
Nigel Canham is chair of the Newton Abbot Community Transport Association, which operates across South Devon into places like Totnes and Dartmouth.
He said: "To give you some idea last year we completed about 21,000 passenger journeys across South Devon.
"That's 21,000 times that people were able to leave their homes and access the shops, access the doctors - so pretty important.
"We travelled more than 100,000 miles in total last year. That's four times around the world and we provided almost 3,000 shopmobility, scooter and wheelchair hires.
"I hate to think what the impact would be if we weren't able to continue with our services - because not only do we assist the individual who may be at home without the ability to get out but often they have families.
"Without us the families have to step in, so perhaps their lives might be impacted as well.
"I know from talking with other charitable groups in the area, for instance people who deliver food, that often we're talking about the same people.
"If you take us out of the equation a problem of isolation becomes even greater.
"We have to bear in mind that many people we help each year they're almost living in virtual lockdown all of the time - regardless of any pandemic."
Trustees at Newton Abbot Community Transport Association made the decision to ‘keep calm and carry on’ at a special meeting held after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced details of the latest restrictions.
The board consulted with staff and volunteers before deciding that most of the group’s services were just 'too important to be suspended'.
Many of the people who rely on them are elderly, vulnerable or isolated, sometimes all three.
Mr Canham added: "Having thought long and hard we decided it was possible to keep delivering the support we offer while ensuring that staff, volunteers and customers safe.
"All of our vehicles have been fitted with screens and hand sanitiser, we have also reduced the number of passengers we carry.
"Face masks are worn at all times. Our Shopmobility scooters are cleaned thoroughly between each hire and our supply of daily living aids remains in demand from occupational therapists.
"The scheduled rural bus services we operate provide the only means for villagers to access our larger towns and with education establishments remaining open our school transport is still required.
"Yes, we’ve scaled back operations a little but the important thing is that we’re still here, still supporting a community we know would struggle without us.
"This would not be possible without the exceptional dedication of our staff and volunteers, all of whom have been offered the chance to step away from their work during lockdown but who have, on the whole, decided to carry on.
"The association provides a lifeline for hundreds of people at a cost they can afford. Even in normal circumstances, many of our customers effectively live their lives in lockdown, we are their link with the outside world.
The group can be contacted on 01626 335775 or via mail manager@newtonabbotcta.org