DISABLED residents in Chorley's villages are set to benefit from a tried and trusted transport service.

The county cars initiative has been extended by council bosses after its success in other parts of Lancashire.

Now the parishes of Withnell and Wheelton will become part of the scheme after a survey revealed a large number of people in the area had mobility problems.

The cars are needed most in Heapey which lacks a bus service but is two miles from the A674 Wheelton bypass.

The scheme, which is expected to cost the county council £1,360 for the first year, would be run on a voluntary basis.

Providing enough local residents offer their services, passengers could be taken by car anywhere up to a 20 mile radius. Drivers would then be reimbursed by the council.

Coun Richard Toon, a member of the public transport sub-committee which set the wheels in motion at a meeting on Thursday, said: "We are very enthusiastic about extending the community transport system around the county.

"We have had a good response after drumming up support in the locality and there certainly appears to be a demand for the service."

The county cars are expected to be on the road in Withnell and Wheelton this summer and information leaflets will be distributed shortly.

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