A community transport scheme in Church Stretton, Shropshire, is facing uncertainty as rising fuel costs threaten its future. Phil Ryan, who runs the ring and ride service for the Mayfair Community Centre, said the cost of refuelling vehicles has increased from £100 to £130 following military action involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

The charity-run service supports around 300 people and provides up to 13,000 journeys each year, helping vulnerable residents attend medical and social appointments. Ryan described it as a vital lifeline for those who struggle to travel independently.

Although a ceasefire is in place in the Middle East, fuel prices continued to climb after President Trump threatened to impose a blockade on Iranian ports along the Strait of Hormuz. Ryan said the charity had already been grappling with rising costs and warned that increasing fuel prices were depleting much-needed reserves.

He remains reluctant to raise fares or cut services, noting that members are also under financial pressure. While scaling back has not yet become necessary, he acknowledged that the situation does not look promising if costs continue to rise.