Shropshire Star

Four Shropshire charities to get new minibuses in Government scheme

Four charities in Shropshire are among 300 across England that will receive new minibuses from the Department for Transport's multi-million pound scheme.

Published

The scheme will see £25 million from the Community Transport Minibus Fund spent on providing the vehicles, transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin has announced.

The four community groups from Shropshire benefitting from the scheme are The Friendly Transport (Shropshire) Ltd, North Salop Wheelers, Bishop's Castle and District Community Transport Ltd and Shrewsbury Community Transport Initiative Ltd.

The funding will help elderly residents, people with learning and physical disabilities and those who do not have access to a commercial bus service.

The minibuses will improve the everyday lives of people in rural communities and provide a vital link to medical services, shops, and social events.

Following this first round of allocations, the Department for Transport will look to using the fund to support additional schemes this summer.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: "I know first-hand how important transport providers like these can be.

"They keep rural areas alive and protect the independence of local residents.

"They can often be the lifeblood of local communities so it is only right that the government gives them the support they deserve."

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.