A NEW community transport scheme is helping residents living in remote areas of the Malvern Hills district access its busy shopping areas.

The pilot Malvern Swingaround service is operating on Thursday mornings, travelling through Birtsmorton, Croome Green, Castlemorton, Sledge Green, Pendock, Longdon and Hook Bank and taking residents to both Malvern Retail Park and the town itself.

The scheme, which costs £3 each way, is being run by charity Community Action Malvern and District, with backing from Worcestershire County Council.

Madeleine Sumner, community transport development officer at Worcestershire County Council, said: “This service is brilliant value and a real asset to these communities.

“At a time when the cost of running a car is rocketing, services like this really come into their own. It will pick you up from directly outside your door or another agreed location along the route.

“I really hope the community of all ages will get behind it.”

Jacci Phillips, chief officer at Community Action Malvern, urged people to make use of the service so the pilot scheme can become permanent.

For information, call 01684 892381 or e-mail info@communityaction.org.uk.