Bike initiative in £40k appeal (From Wiltshire Times)

Bike initiative in £40k appeal

2:56pm Wednesday 4th June 2008

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A CHARITABLE scheme that provides mopeds to people otherwise unable to get to work in Wiltshire is in danger of folding unless £40,000 of funding can be found to keep it afloat.

The Wiltshire Wheels-to-Work scheme provides road-ready mopeds to people who do not have transport to enable them to get jobs or work-based training.

They are provided with a moped for up to six months in return for a small weekly contribution towards wear and tear.

All other costs such as insurance, tax and servicing are met by the project.

The scheme, run by Community First, has had a number of funding applications rejected and unless financial support can be found it could be forced to close in July.

Wiltshire Wheels-to-Work manager, Liam Tatton-Bennett, said: "Many of the people we help are either looking to get onto the employment ladder for the first time or to get back into work after unemployment.

"For people living in rural areas getting to work can be a real issue, particularly if shift work is involved and so the scheme has been a real lifeline for many.

"At the moment the project has some funding from Wiltshire County Council and the Big Lottery Fund available for this year, but we may find ourselves in a situation where we have 24 mopeds ready to go, but no money to run them unless a £40,000 shortfall isn't found soon."

Teenager Jeremy Lane, of Alfred Street in Westbury, has a 50cc moped to help him get to Devizes, where he is training to be an accountant, and Trowbridge, where he works collecting glasses in the evenings.

The 17-year-old said: "It has helped me get jobs. Westbury to Devizes and Trowbridge isn't the easiest route to take by public transport.

"It helps me get to and from work without relying on public transport or my parents.

"Most employers ask you how you are planning to get there and if you say you're not sure they think can we really use them?'.

"I think without Wheels-to-Work a lot of people wouldn't be able to get to and from training courses, jobs and things they really want to do, especially if they live in villages."

Local businesses and other backers able to assist the project are being asked to contact the scheme directly on (01380) 722475 to pledge their support if they can.

If you would like more information about the project in general please contact hlines@communityfirst.org.uk or call (01380) 722475.

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