The Derwent Valley car club, established by the Blackhall Mill Community Association a decade ago, is set to extend its reach and support to more rural communities after receiving a significant funding boost of £25,000 from the Royal Countryside Fund.
This initiative aims to provide essential transportation solutions in areas where public transport options are limited.
With a current fleet of six electric vehicles, the car club has already made a considerable impact on the lives of residents in the Derwent Valley, which encompasses regions including Rowlands Gill in Gateshead and Shotley Bridge in County Durham.
Participants can hire a vehicle for just £5 an hour or opt for a volunteer driver to take them to their desired destinations.
Michael Marsten, a representative of the Blackhall Mill Community Association, emphasized the scheme’s importance, describing it as a “lifeline” for the local community.
“If the model for our scheme can work in our village, it can work in others,” he stated. Marsten highlighted that the club has been instrumental in assisting hundreds of people, providing them with reliable and affordable transport options.
The funding from the Royal Countryside Fund will be utilized to create a comprehensive guide for other communities interested in establishing similar electric vehicle initiatives.
The guide will outline the steps necessary for groups to develop their own schemes, ensuring that the benefits experienced by the Derwent Valley can be replicated in other rural areas facing transportation challenges.
Evie McLean, a regular user of the service, shared her positive experiences with the scheme.
“The driver is someone you already know and have been introduced to, so it’s just you and them,” she said, highlighting the comfort and familiarity provided by the volunteer drivers. McLean expressed her gratitude for the service, noting that it has greatly improved her mobility and independence.
The Derwent Valley car club stands out not only for its affordable pricing but also for its commitment to sustainability.
By utilizing electric vehicles, the club contributes to reducing carbon emissions and promoting greener transportation options within the community. This aligns with broader environmental goals and demonstrates how local initiatives can play a role in combating climate change.
The community association plans to share its success story widely, hoping to inspire other rural areas to consider similar solutions for their transportation needs.
With the increasing challenges of rural isolation and limited public transport, the Derwent Valley car club serves as a model of innovation and collaboration, showcasing how community-driven efforts can lead to meaningful change.
As more rural communities face the dilemma of accessibility, the success of the Derwent Valley car club underscores the importance of local initiatives in providing essential services.
With the support of the Royal Countryside Fund, the club is poised to not only sustain its operations but also expand its influence, paving the way for a network of electric vehicle schemes that could transform rural mobility across the country.
