Community transport services in Biddulph and the Moorlands will be resuming on Monday 13th July, having been suspended since March due to the Covid-19 crisis.

The announcement was made today by Moorlands Voluntary and Community Transport (MVCT), who said they were "delighted" to be able to get their service up and running again.

The service uses voluntary drivers to help transport members of the local community who struggle to get around by themselves, such as the elderly and disabled, providing an element of mobility to those who may otherwise be stuck at home.

MVCT Chief Officer Sally Bentley said the service would be following strict hygiene guidelines in the wake of Coronavirus.

She said: "It has been a difficult time for everyone, but we feel that now is the

right time to resume our vital services. We would like to assure passengers that risk assessments have been carried out and all our volunteer drivers have a supply of face masks, hand gel and antibacterial wipes; and will follow strict guidance on their use."

Several changes to how the scheme operates have also been made in order to minimise risk and increase the safety of passengers and drivers.

Passengers will be required to wear a face covering for the duration of the journey, and a

face mask will be provided by the volunteer driver if passengers do not have one of their own.

Only journeys that are essential will be accepted, such as those that are primarily health related, and passengers must sit in the rear of the vehicle.

Unless absolutely necessary, only one passenger per car will be allowed, and if the passenger requires someone to travel with them for assistance then that person must be from the same household as the passenger.

Sally added: "We are looking forward to welcoming back our volunteers and passengers, and although things will be different, we will strive to maintain the professional and friendly service that our passengers have come to know."

Bookings can be made through the regular numbers for each part of the Staffordshire Moorlands - if you live in or around the Biddulph area please ring 01782 511659.

Those living in the Leek area should ring 01538 386888, and those living in the Cheadle area should ring 01538 750511.

Lines may not be open for their normal hours, and the service will still require approximately one week's notice for all journeys.

When booking a journey, passengers will be asked to confirm that they, or anyone in their household, have no symptoms of Covid-19.

If you have any questions, email Sally Bentley at [email protected]