Bids sought to fill community transport gaps

More than £100,000 has been made available by a council to improve community transport after a rural bus service stopped running in April due to financial pressures.

The Ability Bus service in Towcester said it ceased operating due to funding challenges and the loss of its office and parking premises.

Users said it had impacted them as elderly and vulnerable people vulnerable people relied on it it for daily travel.

West Northamptonshire Council said a new round of funding was available after an equivalent replacement service had "not emerged".

The authority said: "To give potential providers the opportunity to establish service viability and operating costs, the grant programme is being reopened to all eligible organisations."

The support could also include the use of four Ability minibuses returned to the council "enabling applicants to incorporate these vehicles into proposed transport services where appropriate".

Applications can be made for funding, minibuses, or a combination of both, to help address the transport gaps created by its closure, it added.

Reform UK councillor Charlie Hastie, its deputy leader and cabinet member for housing and communities, said: "We know the closure of Ability CIC has had a significant impact on some residents who relied on community transport to access essential services, attend appointments and remain connected to their communities.

"We are committed to working with local partners to help develop and strengthen community-led transport solutions that meet local needs.

"This funding presents an opportunity for community and faith groups, social enterprises, and town and parish councils to play a key role in supporting residents by expanding existing services or creating new ones."

He asked for any eligible organisation that could address the transport gaps to submit their applications by 10:00 GMT on Monday 23 November.

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