A survey has been launched to assess the potential demand for a community car service in Fakenham and its surrounding villages.The scheme would give anyone without access to their own transport a convenient and affordable means of getting to medical appointments, shopping trips or social visits.

A survey has been launched to assess the potential demand for a community car service in Fakenham and its surrounding villages.

The scheme would give anyone without access to their own transport a convenient and affordable means of getting to medical appointments, shopping trips or social visits.

Similar projects already operate elsewhere in Norfolk, with volunteer drivers using their own cars to carry scheme members to and from pre-booked destinations in exchange for a mileage charge.

The North and West Norfolk Transport Forum is working with the Fakenham Area Partnership (FAP) to see if the scheme would be viable in the town.

FAP co-ordinator Janet Holdom said the first job was to find out how many people were interested in joining or volunteering their time as drivers.

“There is anecdotal evidence of a need for this service in the Fakenham area,” she said. “Now we must establish the support we need to run it. If we can make a sound business case we can apply for funding.

“It could be used for things like hospital visits to Norwich or King's Lynn where you cannot necessarily get a bus which coincides with your appointment. Even just picking up prescriptions is something some people find difficult, and not everyone has a friend or relative who can take them.”

t Anyone who feels they could benefit from membership of a community car scheme in Fakenham or would like to help should phone 01328 851555.