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Elderly stuck at home without volunteer drivers
A car and minibus service that takes the elderly and disabled to hospital appointments is turning people away because of a lack of volunteer drivers in Hemel Hempstead.
With 1000 people on the books, 30 regular clients and just four drivers, Community Cars is working overtime to keep up with its work.
The low cost, voluntary aided service helps people who are unable to use public transport get around town by driving them to shops and appointments.
Manager, Pete West, said: "We're having to turn people away but we're trying hard to keep up with everyone who needs transport to the hospital.
"Some people have waited months for an appointment and we don't want them to miss it, but it means the few drivers we've got, who are mostly elderly themselves, are doing up to five jobs a day."
Ivy Hooper, 82, from Long Chaulden, uses Community Cars up to four times a week.
She said: "The help I get from Pete and his drivers is endless. I just don't know what I'd do without them.
"They bring me from my door to the car, help me with my shopping, help me unpack it. Taxis can't do that.
"Without them I wouldn't get to the shop, the supermarket, the hairdresser, the doctor. Anywhere.
"I've never met more helpful people in my life and they never let me down."
The low cost, voluntary aided service has had to turn down a dozen jobs this week because of a lack of drivers.
Volunteers can be aged between 21 and 80 and require their own, four door car to use. Petrol money is supplied.
Drivers are also sought for the charity's fleet of 10 minibuses that are hired at low costs to voluntary groups across the borough.
Both community transport services are part of Community Action Dacorum, based in Hemel Hempstead.
If you would like more information on becoming a volunteer driver please contact Pete on 01442 212888 or pete@communityactiondacorum.org.uk
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Weather for Hemel Hempstead
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: East
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Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
