A NEW social enterprise body that aims to offer a specialist taxi service for disabled people is looking for drivers.

The new service will start with one vehicle but aims to expand into a fleet of adapted taxis to help as many people as possible get out and about in Darlington.

The enterprise has been jointly formed by Darlington Association on Disability (Dad) and ABC Taxis and has won support from Local Motion, a Department for Transport project that aims to promote sustainable transport.

It is hoped that the accessible taxi service will fill a gap in the transport offer available to those who need extra support when travelling and help residents with mobility issues become more independent.

The first vehicle can take up to five passengers, including one wheelchair user, making it accessible to anyone who needs a taxi.

The service is looking for a qualified private hire taxi driver already registered to work in Darlington or looking to operate in the town.

Successful applicants to the post will receive full training to cover the different needs of passengers who are expected to use the service.

Lauren Robinson, chief executive of Dad, said: “Due to the requirements of customers, the drivers we are looking to recruit need to be able to demonstrate exceptional people skills and be mindful of the needs of our customers.

“We are sure there are some outstanding drivers out there who would be perfect for the job and are looking forward to receiving their applications.”

Councillor Andrew Scott, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and partnerships, said: “The new accessible taxi will help to improve the lives of residents of Darlington who currently have difficulty getting out and about.

“The social enterprise is aiming to deliver the highest quality service both through the model and spec of the vehicle and the quality of drivers.

“The customers will be transported in comfort.”

Anyone interested in taking on the role is asked to contact Judith Gledhill at Dad via email at Judith@darlingtondisability.org for an application form or call in at ABC’s office on Northgate, Darlington.