15 July, 2004

Residents living in Haverhill and the surrounding villages who find they experience problems getting out and about are being encouraged to use a new community transport initiative part-funded by St Edmundsbury Borough Council.

3CT (3 County Transport) provides community transport facilities for people living in or around the Haverhill area, including villages in North Essex, South Cambridgeshire and West Suffolk. 

The door-to-door service provided by 3CT is appropriate for people with mobility issues, frail and elderly people and those who are rurally isolated.  Journeys could include visiting friends or relatives in nearby villages, a trip to the doctors or hospital, social activities and shopping. 

The scheme is the result of a unique partnership between three county councils, three district councils, the Countryside Agency and community transport groups (Braintree Community Transport and Haverhill Community Transport Group). St Edmundsbury Borough Council belongs to this important partnership.  Since the scheme was launched last November it has improved local transport links for people within a 15 mile radius of Haverhill, including residents in the southern part of the Borough.

Based in Haverhill, the scheme provides a one-stop-shop for all transport enquiries and has access to many fully accessible vehicles for community and Dial-a-Ride use. The scheme operates five, 12 and 16-seater, fully accessible vehicles, available for use by affiliated community groups and organisations.  These versatile vehicles can be adapted to accommodate up to five wheelchairs, luggage and equipment.  The fleet is supplemented by a number of volunteer drivers’ cars which can provide additional means of carrying individuals or small groups with particular needs. 

Volunteers are at the heart of the scheme and new volunteer car drivers or escorts are urgently required.  Free training is available.  For more information on volunteering or travel opportunities available in the Haverhillarea please ring the 3CT Office on 01440 712028.

For further information please contact Lyn Burgess or Chris Hill at 3CT, Council Offices, Lower Down Slade, Haverhill. Tel 01440 712028 or email lyn@3ctoffice@havnet.co.uk.

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