MOORLAND villages are poised to pilot a pioneering community car scheme.

The need for second cars could be slashed if parish councillors go for the idea.

For fixed fees, villagers in the Esk Valley could take a pool car to access amenities otherwise out of reach.

Organisers of the Government-funded project are keen to bring the scheme to communities in the Danby area. Because of its size and isolation, it is seen as a perfect testing ground for a rural service.

Councillors are now considering whether to give it a go.

Members of Danby Parish Council heard about the scheme from Simon Parker, rural development officer for Carplus, the umbrella group for Car Clubs which have been running in urban areas since 1999.

He said the club would be run by the community, possibly through a part-time worker.

But he said: "The more you cover on a voluntary basis, the cheaper it will be."

Carplus helps with initial fundraising for feasibility studies and if the council applies for membership, there is practical help of up to ten hours a week.

About £7,500 in Rural Transport Project money is available to get the scheme going, with the community having to find about £2,500. It costs £50 a year for community membership.

The scheme works by the community acquiring cars for use by members. Vehicles can be leased through a Carplus link up with Vauxhall, bought outright - but the community then paying hefty insurance premiums - or there can be a "rusty car pool" using £300 cars which only have third party insurance.

Council chairman, Coun Herbert Tindall, said: "It's food for thought."

Mr Parker said the scheme would benefit people who did not have cars or those who struggled to run a vehicle.

"There might only be two or three cars but people could use amenities otherwise not accessible by public transport," said Mr Parker.

For individuals, there would be a £25 joining fee as a returnable deposit to cover minor damage. A £100 annual fee would be payable plus an hourly charge of £2 to £3 plus about 20p per mile.

The usual age range for members is 24-70 because of insurance.

"It would be good for families with one car used by the breadwinner during the day," said Mr Parker. "It could cut out the need for many second cars."

"It can work. In some urban areas the clubs are really starting to grow as people realise what a good idea they are. It would go well in the Esk Valley. It would never be a big club because of the population, but it would be interesting to see how it works in such a deeply rural area.

Council clerk Pam Reeves said the idea would be on the agenda for future discussion.