Westmorland and Furness Council has allocated £20,000 to a new Community Transport Grants Panel to support the provision of community transport services in Eden.
At a meeting of the council's Locality Board for Eden, members agreed to establish a Community Transport Grants Panel as part of a wider £1 million project to make it easier for people to walk, cycle and travel in sustainable ways across Westmorland and Furness.
The Panel aims to support the provision of community transport services during the 2023/24 financial year with applications welcome from organisations which provide community transport services in the Eden locality.
Applications will be considered based on the impact the service will provide for the local community including addressing social isolation. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their aspirations will align with environmental credentials including reducing single vehicle journeys and promoting sustainable travel, including the use of more environmentally friendly vehicles.
The wider £1 million funding for local sustainable transport is one of 14 key projects identified as part of a £5 million priority investment programme by Westmorland and Furness Council.
The projects reflect the council’s key priorities for the area, including funding for local areas, biodiversity and nature, sustainable transport, social care, children, culture and education.
Councillor John Murray, Chair of Eden Locality Board, said:
“Eden is the largest Cumbrian district in terms of its size but it’s the least populated. This sparsity means that public transport is infrequent and often limited to our larger towns and villages. In a district such as ours, we rely heavily on creative community solutions using third sector and our invaluable volunteers.
“This new Community Transport Grants Panel highlights Eden Locality Board’s commitment to helping people move about and access services within the district. I’m delighted to welcome applications and look forward to supporting some of our wonderful community transport services.”
Applications are now open and will close on Monday 18 December 2023.
For more information and an application form, please contact the Eden Community Development Team by calling 01768 812660 or emailing Eden.AreaSupport@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.