Going the extra mile for rural communities
Help is at hand for rural communities in the north of the county thanks to a scheme coordinated by Warwickshire County Council’s Rural Transport Partnership.
The partnership has secured funding from Advantage West Midlands to promote rural transport services throughout north Warwickshire and to enable rural communities to access jobs, services and social activities.
Money is now available for voluntary organisations, community groups, private sector organisations and parish/town councils to bid for, to help implement their own transport needs. The partnership has set aside £10,000 each year and this is up for grabs for groups that have a real local need. The money needs to be spent by March 2006.
Grants may be awarded for purchasing equipment, maintenance and renovation work, publicising a scheme, transport surveys, vehicle hire costs, training, developing new ways to access services and facilities and lots more. To find out if you are eligible to receive money and to request an application pack contact Richard Tuck on 01926 412844 or email richardtuck@warwickshire.gov.uk.
Successful applicants will be asked to complete two simple reports at six months and one year after the funding is received, which to monitor how the project is going.
Ansley Parish Council applied for money and received more than £1,000 for a vandal proof bus shelter in Ansley Common that was accessible for people with learning disabilities.
Phil Rees, Chairman of Ansley Parish Council said: “We are really pleased about securing the funding, because it provides the community with a weatherproof shelter with seats for people with mobility problems, people with disabilities and older people.”
County Councillor Martin Heatley, Portfolio Holder for Environment said: “This fund can make a real difference to peoples’ lives. Projects that we have been able to help recently include; transport for young people with disabilities to attend leisure activities, village specific information on public transport and the purchasing of electric bikes to help young people to access education and employment.”
Maxine McDermott, Rural Transport Partnership Officer said: “We want to make rural communities aware of the fund as it provides an excellent opportunity for communities which are isolated or individuals who experience difficulty in getting out and about.”