A charity that has served the community in the Vale for 38 years is struggling to survive.
East Vale Community Transport provides a vital door-to-door service for older and disabled people, helping them with shopping, attending doctors' appointments, and even taking them out to the beach.
The charity's minibuses, which are wheelchair-friendly and accommodate up to 12 people at once, are in jeopardy due to lack of funds.
Claire Pearce, who works for the charity, said: "The funding from the council has been the same for years, but costs are going up.
"People don’t realise how much it costs to keep a bus on the road.
"I’ve gotten calls from people who haven’t been out since covid.
"Trying to get transport when you’re in a wheelchair or a bit slow on your feet—normal transport like buses and trains is just not acceptable."
Brenda Gibbins, one of the charity's trustees, added: "People are often stuck indoors day in and day out, never able to get out, even just into town."
Frequent users of the service, including residents of Court Jubilee, have shared how they rely on the charity's transport.
Margaret Taylor said: "They even take us to Marks and Spencer."
Another user, Jan, explained: "If I have to go to Barry, Marks & Spencer, or the Heath Hospital, it would cost £30 each way in a cab.
"A lot of us don’t have that kind of money, so they cancel their appointments."
If East Vale Community Transport fails to survive, many people like Jan will be isolated and confined to their rooms.
Donations can be made by visiting the charity's website.
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