COTSWOLD Friends is one of six community transport operators that have been given a one-off payment of £100,000 by Gloucestershire County Council to ensure vulnerable residents continue to access services.

Some operators had raised concerns that they may not be able to continue trading because of funding pressures.

Now the county council has stepped in to help these organisations so they can continue to provide rural and isolated residents with transport access to essential services this month and in the year ahead.

The payments are in addition to the £500,000 a year the county council provides in grants to support community transport in the county.

Cllr Nigel Moor, cabinet member for environment and planning, said: “We understand how important community transport is for the more vulnerable and isolated members of our community so we are pleased to be able to help these operators.

“They are facing greater funding pressures than ever before following the coronavirus outbreak so these payments will enable them to continue providing these vital services for our residents.”

For over 40 years, Cotswold Friends have provided services for the community.

The group's community activities programme aims to tackle social isolation amongst older residents and other groups in the community.