Member Article

£280,000 boost to County Durham community transport

A £280,000 cash injection into community transport in County Durham has been given the go-ahead by the Council. The money will buy mopeds to improve access to training and employment for young people, community minibuses and wheelchair accessible cars.

Among those set to benefit are Wheels to Work projects in Chester-le-Street, Deerness Valley and Weardale. The schemes provide mopeds to young people who have difficulty getting to work or accessing training. Other community transport schemes, including a Shopmobility project in Durham City, East Durham Community Transport in Easington and Weardale Community Transport in Wear Valley, are set to buy minibuses. A voluntary car scheme in Sedgefield has also been earmarked for funding to buy two wheelchair accessible cars.

Councillor Bob Pendlebury, the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Sustainability, said: “Sometimes it can be difficult for people with disabilities or the elderly to access the services they need and young people can also feel cut off from employment or training opportunities. “Community transport schemes play a big part in tackling social exclusion, especially for those unable to use other forms of public transport. “They can also indirectly contribute to tackling crime and disorder by supporting community projects involving young people. “We congratulate the community groups who are running these vital services and we are delighted to be able to help them.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .