THE head of a vital bus service that has supported Wyre Forest residents unable to use public transport is retiring.

Nigel Caldicott is stepping down from Wyre Forest Dial-A-Ride having carried out the role of manager for four years.

He has been succeeded by David Muggeridge, who has considerable experience of operating community transport services in the county.

The service has been in the area for more than 30 years and has undergone a number of changes in recent times including moving to new premises, modernising its fleet and running two community bus services on routes 7A and 12 in Kidderminster.

Mr Caldicott said “I have really enjoyed the opportunity of helping the charity develop and diversify which has helped make sure that we can help more local people.”

Dial-A-Ride is also teaming up with Bewdley-based Community Transport Wyre Forest and Tenbury Transport Trust to run a special pilot project to help people who have difficulty making medical appointments.

After detailed negotiations with the NHS and Worcestershire County Council, this transport service is set to start in early September.

Mr Muggeridge has been involved in planning this new service and he said: “Over 20 per cent of patients have experienced difficulties and this new scheme should help reduce the number of missed appointments which can only benefit the people involved.”

People can access Wyre Forest Dial-A-Ride by telephone on 01562 755084, email info@wfdar.org.uk or via their page on the Worcestershire Community Transport website at www.communitytravel.org.uk