Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 19 June 2001 For Use: Immediately

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Special Needs Transport Integration Extended Throughout Islands

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has approved measures aimed at improving transport for people with special needs.

At a meeting of the Education, Social Work and Transportation Joint Sub-Committee it was agreed that a pilot integration scheme of special needs transport in Lewis had been successful and should be further developed throughout the islands.

The integrated service currently carries 41 pupils and 92 social work clients who make a return of 415 return journeys per week.

The pilot scheme has been in operation over the past year in the Stornoway area and developed integrated transport for special needs school pupils and social work clients.

Service user groups rated the pilot scheme as successful.

The improvements include more flexibility in the system, increasing the number of clients using the service and exploring opportunities for training and development with regard to pupil and client needs.

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk