Knutsford volunteer transport service saved after phone problems threatened future
Knutsford Good Neighbours will resume its transport service for elderly and infirm residents after finding a solution to phone problems which had prevented it operating since Augus
By Knutsford Guardian
A volunteer service which helps elderly and infirm Knutsford residents attend medical appointments has been saved after telephone problems left it unable to operate for more than a month.
Knutsford Good Neighbours has been out of action since August 27 following problems caused by the transition of its telephone service from the traditional analogue network to a digital system.
The group, which has operated in Knutsford since 1999, relies on a telephone call-divert arrangement to coordinate requests for transport between clients and its volunteers.
Coordinator Gaynor said the disruption had been particularly concerning because many of the people using the service are vulnerable and depend on its volunteer drivers to reach medical appointments.
BT worked with the group after the problem was identified, but the replacement technology was ultimately unable to provide the arrangement the volunteers needed.
The company said the telephone line itself remained operational, but a voicemail feature previously used by the service was no longer available.
A solution has now been found after a new business telephone line was installed at Gaynor’s home by Sky free of charge.
Knutsford Good Neighbours will restart its service from September 30 with a new telephone number.
Residents who need help getting to a medical appointment should call:
01565 372536
The line will be available between 11am and 3pm from Monday to Thursday.
Clients only need to make one call and provide details of their appointment. A volunteer driver can then collect them, take them to the appointment and accompany them where required.
Passengers are asked to make a small donation towards the service.
Knutsford Good Neighbours is entirely volunteer-run and currently has a team of around 20 drivers.
Last year they provided more than 1,300 journeys for local residents attending appointments.
Volunteer drivers are reimbursed for their fuel expenses, while money remaining after the group’s operating costs are covered is donated to other local causes.
In 2024, Knutsford Good Neighbours donated £6,000 to local charities.
The restoration of the telephone service means the organisation can now continue a service it has provided to the Knutsford community for more than 25 years.
The group is also looking for additional volunteer drivers and coordinators.
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Knutsford Good Neighbours at knutsfordgoodneighbours@live.co.uk.