NORDCAT (North Dorset Community Accessible Transport), the Sturminster Newton-based charity that has provided transport services to elderly and isolated residents for over two decades, has announced it will cease operations on 14th February due to financial difficulties.
The charity, which has struggled to secure alternative funding following the loss of key education transport contracts, has confirmed that staff will be made redundant and the office will close. Passengers have been notified of the decision.
Chairman Cllr Pauline Batstone said: “We bitterly regret the abrupt withdrawal of this service, which has been a social lifeline to so many over the years. People have become friends with our staff and other passengers.”
While the closure will leave a gap in community transport provision, some support remains available through the Community Connections charity, which runs a Community Cars Scheme for lunch clubs, meal deliveries, and medical appointments.
Previous Transport Challenges
NORDCAT’s financial struggles follow the revocation of most of its vehicle permits in 2022, after an inquiry by the Traffic Commissioner found serious concerns over vehicle maintenance. The commissioner’s report highlighted a high MOT failure rate and inadequate maintenance systems, leading to the loss of key contracts, including one with Kingston Maurward College.
At the time, Commissioner Kevin Rooney stated that inspections showed “not one compliant record in the entire bundle” and that vehicle safety checks had been inconsistent. Following the inquiry, NORDCAT was unable to continue operating its education transport service, which had previously subsidised its wider community transport provision.
With no sustainable funding model in place, and amid the rising costs of operating such services, the charity has been unable to continue. Any remaining assets will, where possible, be used to support the work of Community Connections.
For those in need of alternative transport options, the Community Cars Scheme can be contacted on 01258 473154.
