A NEW scheme offering subsidised taxi fares to disabled people is being launched in Hambleton.

Vouchers will be issued, the value of which is dependent on where residents live, which will enable users to receive half-price travel from Tuesday, April 1.

The scheme is only open to people with severe mobility problems.

Up to £60 of travel will be half price for those living in rural wards and £30 for those in the district's urban wards.

The vouchers can be used in taxis run by any of the 32 participating companies.

People can also use the travel vouchers on any of the vehicles operated by the community car schemes in the district.

The new initiative comes on top of the concessionary bus pass scheme to which nearly 7,000 users signed up.

Hambleton District Council leader June Imeson said: "The bus pass scheme has been working successfully for some time now but we need to ensure that disabled people are not excluded from concessionary travel.

"This scheme is the starting point from which we can build. Once we have monitored its take-up we can see if we need to increase the number of vouchers on offer."

Those who qualify for the vouchers must be in receipt of Attendance Allowance or the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance.

To obtain an application form call (01609) 767080, or download the form from the council's website at www. hambleton.gov.uk

Forms can also be collected from council offices in Northallerton, Stokesley or Easingwold and from any of the participating operators.

A full list of operators is included on the council's website.