RESIDENTS with transport problems in Worcestershire are being urged to take up a new scheme.

The county council wants people to take advantage of the expanding range of assistance being offered to them.

It has been able to increase the help previously provided via its successful Workwise moped-loan scheme, launched in April last year.

Workwise offers individuals a short-term solution to access employment, training or further education opportunities that people would otherwise have problems taking advantage of because of a lack of transport links, such as those living in rural areas with no regular public transport services.

Through funding provided by the county council and Advantage West Midlands, the scheme has been offering individual transport solutions for Worcestershire residents, consisting of personalised travel planning and moped loans at a cost of £5 a week for up to 12 months.

The scheme is now able to offer an expanded range of assistance for each individual in addition to the personalised travel plans and moped loans.

It is now able to offer assistance towards the cost of driving lessons and theory test or a free, three-month bus pass for access to employment or work-based training.

Councillor Derek Prodger, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for the environment, said: “We are delighted to be able to expand the services previously provided by Workwise, which has proved popular right across the county.

"We hope residents take advantage of the expanded range of solutions this successful scheme is now able to provide with them.”

Those who believe the scheme may be able to benefit them must be 16-years-old or over, live in Worcestershire, have an offer of employment, training or further education with a start date and have no other suitable means of transport available.

People interested in finding out more about the Workwise scheme or receive an application form should visit worcestershire.gov.uk/workwise or call 01905 765765.