FOLLOWING an influx of new drivers, minibuses and customers, Redditch Community Transport is on the move.

The organisation has relocated to new premises at Securehold Business Centre, Studley Road, which were officially opened by Redditch MP Jacqui Smith MP on Friday.

RCT is part of the Redditch Council for Voluntary Service (RCVS). It provides accessible transport for voluntary organisations affiliated to RCVS, social services, schools and individuals with mobility problems.

Manager Trevor Stringer said: "This move has become necessary because we have so many pleasant customers and drivers, which makes my job an exceedingly nice one, resulting in an increase in work and businesses.

"And we want to continue providing a first-class service to everyone who needs us in the town."

One Redditch man who uses the service believes the quality of life would be much lower for many townsfolk if RCT did not exist.

Pensioner Fred Powell said: "If it wasn't for RCT I simply wouldn't leave my house. I'm disabled, but they allow me to live as full a life as possible.

"Without exaggerating, they have helped me 100 per cent.

"I can't use public buses so RCT helps me to get out and about. The service they offer people is totally priceless."

Over the next 12 months RCT has set out many more aims for itself, including training 30 people through NVQ level 2.

It also wants to assist 20 unemployed people into work through RCT and to lend 50 bicycles out to get people to training, interviews and work.

It also wants to offer people a range of training and recycling projects and obtain an Investors in People award later this year.

For more details, call Mr Stringer on 525900.