THE North Tamar Community Transport Company has announced that a breakthrough has been achieved following months of discussion and negotiation with Devon County Council's Transport Department.

It now seems very likely that a six month trial will start soon with a 15 seater coach running from Holsworthy and Torrington to Barnstaple Hospital.

Martin Prentice, a trustee and treasurer for the North Tamar Community Transport Company Ltd, which currently runs the Ring & Ride and volunteer car schemes, said that an agreement had now been reached with DCC on the form of a trial service.

It is intended to make four trips per day from Holsworthy and Torrington directly to Barnstaple Hospital and back.

The service is aimed at those who have appointments at the hospital along with any companion, and for those visiting patients at the hospital in the afternoon.

Broad agreement has been reached with some details still to be agreed however it is hoped to start the service in early May once drivers have been recruited, trained and CRB checked. Parishes surrounding Holsworthy and Torrington will be able to link to this service through use of the volunteer car scheme.

Details of the trial including cost and timetabling will be announced shortly.