A SURGERY transport scheme on the outskirts of Durham City may fold unless more volunteers can be found.

The Belmont Transport Project has been running for more than three years, driving mainly elderly and disabled patients from the Belmont, Carrville and Gilesgate areas to and from appointments at the Belmont GP practice.

Without the efforts of the volunteer owner-drivers, medical staff from the surgery would have to make time-consuming home visits to the patients.

But the number of volunteers on its books is falling, and so far it has been unable to find new drivers to help with the workload.

Organiser Eric Stockdale, himself a patient at the surgery, is worried that unless more people come forward he may not be able to maintain the service.

The scheme was set up under the umbrella of the Retired and Senior Volunteers Programme, aimed at the over-50s.

Mr Stockdale said: "The scheme has been running for over three years and is greatly appreciated by the surgery and those we transport.

"We all know the health service is overloaded, and this scheme is a typical example of how the local community and patients can provide some tangible help. "We rarely collect more than four patients a day, and occasionally none, but we need enough hands to ensure we are available if needed.

"Our small team of volunteers needs and deserves some immediate help. I cannot presume their time and goodwill to be limitless, and more hands are needed, not only to share the load but to ensure the service has enough muscle to remain sustainable."

Mr Stockdale said surgery patients who had their own transport might need the service at some time in the future, and that it was in their interests to keep it going. He said: "It would certainly be very disappointing if such a useful service were to meet its demise because of public apathy."

The service is looking for owner-drivers who can spare a couple of hours a week, after 9.30am. Volunteers are paid mileage. For further details about the scheme, contact the surgery on 0191-386 2517