IT provides a vital link for isolated people in need of medical treatment.

But Holme Valley Transport’s free taxi service could be off the road within weeks if no money is found.

The service, which runs from Honley Surgery, Marsh Gardens, ferries isolated residents to GP surgeries across the valley.

But the charity-run service, which was set up in 2001, is now running critically low on funds.

The taxi, which provides an essential link for elderly, disabled and vulnerable people, costs £10, 000 a year to run.

But due to money problems earlier this year, the service, which transported 100 people each week door-to-door, was cut from five to four days per week.

Currently the taxi can now only serve about 50 patients a week and the capacity is falling, Holme Valley Transport (HVT) has warned.

HVT is concerned that if the service winds up isolated people may be unable to attend vital tests and other medical attention at their surgeries.

Now HVT is urging sponsors and donors to come forward to keep the service running.

The vehicle, a Vauxhall Zafira, is currently unable to transport wheelchair users.

HVT is hoping a company or individual will be able to sponsor a vehicle modified for people in wheelchairs.

Frank Adams, of HVT, said: “It’s a very important service.

“We’re worried we may have to pack it in if we can’t get enough money.

“Because of the type of service it is we can’t charge because that will bring in all sorts of other overheads.

“There will be a lot of people who won’t benefit from what the surgeries have to offer if we’re forced to close.

“A lot of journeys are for prevention rather than curing, for example, blood tests and other screening.

“People won’t be seeing the GP until it’s a crisis and therefore it will cost the NHS a lot more.”

If you can help HVT visit: www.honleysurgery.co.uk or call: 01484 303366.