Driving charity facing the axe after 20 years

A charity which has helped underprivileged youngsters learn to drive for about 20 years could be forced to close this year, bosses have warned.

They say more volunteers are needed to help run Drive Alive, which started in Malpas, near Whitchurch, in the early 1990s. The group has thrived under the leadership of chairman Doug Haynes and secretary Charles Higgie and to date has helped more than 100 young people drive safely and legally.

But now Mr Higgie has moved to south Shropshire and is looking to stand down.

As a result charity officials have decided that new people need to be found to take on its administration.

At a recent meeting of the charity it was agreed that unless new blood could be found the charity would finally cease on March 31.

But officials say there is still time to save the group, adding the charity has about £500 in its bank account and would continue to fund existing clients until the money runs out.

Mr Higgie said: "Now that I have moved to south Shropshire it is very difficult for me to continue my role with the charity.

"We have about half a dozen people who help run the charity. We need at least one more person if not more.

"We generally needs younger members to take it forward.

"It would be a shame if it closes. It has been going for about 20 years and has helped a lot of people.

"It's especially important in our rural area.

"Living here, being able to drive is even more important, especially with many of the bus routes being mainly north and south through the area.

"One of the things that could be looked at is the geographic area it covers."

Anyone able to help or are keen to find out more about what is involved, contact Mr Higgie on 07981 074373 or (01584) 892085.

Alternatively, e-mail charles.higgie@btinternet.com or write to The Cottage, Peacock Farm, Hopton Wafers, Ludlow, South Shropshire, DY14 0QE.