RICHMOND MP Rishi Sunak has lent his support to a scheme which helps people living in rural areas get to work, training or education.
Mr Sunak praised the Wheels2Work project which provides mopeds on loan to people who have no access to transport.
During a visit to the charity’s base in Northallerton’s South Parade, Mr Sunak met service user Georgina McLoughlin and scheme co-ordinator Andy Reddick.
Miss McLoughlin, 19, who lives at RAF Leeming, explained that she had secured a job at the new Wickes store in Northallerton but would have struggled to cover typical shift patterns using public transport.
Using the Wheels2Work scheme – for which she pays £20 a week for the loan of a moped – made all the difference.
She said: “It has been perfect because where I live public transport would not have covered some of the shifts I work and I would have been reliant on lifts from family and friends.”
Mr Sunak said: “Georgina was unemployed but found herself a job and the Wheels2Work scheme was the key to making it possible. I’m very impressed.”
He said he would investigate how the scheme, which is similar to 50 others around the country, might be extended with some Government assistance.
To be eligible for the moped loan scheme, users have to live in Hambleton or Richmondshire, be 16, require transport to work, an apprenticeship or training course and not have access to their own vehicle. Every user has to complete a compulsory basic bike training course. Typically the loan period is six months and users are encouraged to start saving for their own vehicle.
The scheme is currently supported by Hambleton and Richmondshire district councils and Children in Need.
More information about the Wheels2Work project can be found at hambletoncommunityaction.org.