A VOLUNTEER crisis has hit the Bordon-based Community Transport charity, which may be forced to cut its service next week if more helpers are not found.

The crisis has arisen after the loss of four volunteer drivers in the past two weeks, leaving the remaining workers unable to operate the service at its existing level.

And if volunteers are not found in the next few days the charity will have to start cancelling its runs, leaving many local elderly and disabled people unable to get to day centres and special needs groups.

David Rhys-Vivian, Community Transport spokesman, said: "Basically we have hit crisis level.

"Despite extensive advertising and free training the organisation is on the point of not being able to provide transport to its key clients because of a lack of voluntary drivers.

"As from next week it is possible that regular bookings may have to be cancelled to the detriment of the local community."

The organisation, based in Woolmer Way, operates five 16-seater vehicles capable of carrying wheelchair passengers, and also a five-seater vehicle with wheelchair access.

Since the beginning of March the group has provided transport to more than 70 organisations within East Hampshire. In the past five months it has carried more than 5,500 passengers, 350 of whom were wheelchair-bound.

"When I was appointed two years ago the organisation had three minibuses and two additional vehicles were purchased as replacements," continued Mr Rhys-Vivian.

"Because of an increase in demand the older vehicles were retained and each week we have to supplement our fleet by hiring in other vehicles.

"We are now in a silly situation where the number of vehicles available on certain days is in excess of the number of drivers available.

"The existing drivers are assisting by increasing their voluntary hours but there comes a point when their individual availability cannot be exceeded.

"Even if you can just do one day a week - it doesn't have to be the same day - it would be greatly appreciated."

If you can help, contact Mr Rhys-Vivian on 01420 475759 for further information.