Showcase to turn spotlight on transport for Ilkley's elderly (From Ilkley Gazette)

Showcase to turn spotlight on transport for Ilkley's elderly

9:00am Sunday 24th February 2013 in Local news By Amanda Greaves

A showcase event highlighting transport for older people in Ilkley is being planned, following a debate on ways of helping residents get about.

Progress is being made in tackling transport difficulties faced by elderly residents, after community organisations spoke out in the Gazette and Observer.

The LS29 Mutual Support Group debated the issue at its meeting last week, and now plans to hold a showcase event in May or June.

The event at the Clarke Foley Centre in Cunliffe Road, will showcase facilities for older people with the many different ways they can get there, with the slogan “Don’t let getting there stop you”.

Representatives of the numerous organisations working with older people will be invited, including all the people who can offer transport.

Taxi firm Ilkley Taxis has agreed to attend so that people can see the different taxis that are available.

The LS29 Mutual Support Group also hopes local care homes that have minibuses will help with transport, as well as involving Ian Padley and the Good Neighbours Community Transport.

Representatives of Ilkley Taxis attended a meeting of the support group last week.

The group heard how older people who require assistance to get in and out of a taxi should ask in advance when booking the taxi.

The company said it would send a driver who can assist passengers getting in and out of the car, or carry shopping into the house.

The firm also has a taxi suitable for a wheelchair, and a car with a step for easier access Following the recent article in the Gazette and Observer, Ilkley and District Community Transport has also recruited two new volunteer drivers and heard from other potential volunteers.

Keighley and Ilkley Voluntary and Community Action Worker with Older People, Julie Lintern, said: “We’re really pleased that Ian has got two new volunteers and that other people have responded.

“The next step is to make the opportunities more widely known to the people who could benefit from them.”

Anyone who would like to present information about their group at the showcase, or could offer transport assistance, should get in touch with Julie Lintern by e-mail at Julie@kivca.org.uk, Judith Ellis on (01943) 607016 or clarkefoley2011@gmail.com