Disability-friendly car available for community use thanks to local man

A disability-friendly car is now available for community use in Frome to help wheelchair users and housebound residents get out and about, thanks to a local man.

The vehicle was purchased last year by Frome resident Pete Dayman-Johns and, thanks to funding from Frome Selwood Rotary, which has paid for specialist insurance, residents can now book the car to drive people to medical appointments, groups or shopping.

Pete said, “I took it upon myself to get the car last year and start this scheme because there aren’t many disability-friendly taxis available in Frome as quickly as my car can be. I like helping people and this is my way of doing that.

“This isn’t a common thing in other towns. It was an idea I had after learning that so many people are struggling to get out and about and to medical appointments.”

He said that through his work with various local charities, there was a clear need for more disability-friendly vehicles.

Pete is involved with a number of charities and groups in Frome. He is a case worker for the Royal Air Force Association, vice chairman of the Frome branch of the Royal British Legion, front of house manager at Frome Memorial Theatre and chairman of the Frome and District Friendship Club.

Care homes in Frome are also using the vehicle, including Cherrytrees, which uses the car twice a week.

For anyone wanting to use the car when Pete is not available, there is a key safe. Pete provides the code once the car has been booked.

He said, “If someone needs to take their mum to hospital at 3am and the ambulance is going to take too long, they can ring me, get the key from the key safe and away they go. It is as simple as that. All I need to do is take the call so I know who I am speaking with, and then they come and collect the car.”

Pete asks for a £20 donation towards the running and maintenance of the vehicle and fuel costs.

To book the vehicle, ring Pete on 07974 702642.