[04
OCT 99] STRATFORD ON AVON DISTRICT COUNCIL PRESS RELEASE
New Money For Rural TransportSteps are
being taken to help improve transport facilities for rural communities in south
Warwickshire.
A £250,000 grant has been earmarked for a partnership of
local authorities and the voluntary sector to tackle the problems faced by people who need
to use transport services in the countryside.
"This money will enable the partnership, which
includes Stratford District Council, to take positive steps in improving transport in our
many rural communities,"
said Cllr Tom Baxter, chairman of the district council's
environmental sustainability panel.
"It's a bit too early at this stage to say exactly
what will be done, as a we need to find out where the problems lie.
"What we do know however, is that lack of transport
for those residents who live out in the countryside poses problems for their access to
jobs and services, so it is vital in a district so widespread as ours that we help these
communities as much as possible.
"We shall now be looking at what problems are out
there, and in partnership with other organisations draw up a plan of action to implement
whatever is necessary, and this grant will go a long way towards providing real solutions
over the next three years."
A local partnership team which specifically looks at
transport issues in the Stratford district was established in 1997. This will now be
expanded to include public transport operators, the business community and parish
councils.
The £250,000 grant will be awarded by the Countryside
Agency, formerly the Rural Development Commission, once the action plan is approved, which
must be completed within the next six months.
A project officer, Louisa Marchi, has already been
appointed to spearhead the action plan, and will be based at Stratford District Council
for the duration of the three year project. Louisa can be contacted on 01789 267575.
MORE INFORMATION:
Mark Lepkowski, Press
Officer 01789 260104
Sean O'Grady, Director of Planning
|
