26/08/03 - Local MP Launches County Council Community Minibuses for Allerdale

At 12pm on Thursday 28 August at St Johns Precinct in Workington, Tony Cunningham MP launches 2 new community minibuses for Workington. The County Council's Local Committee for Allerdale, Workington Regeneration (SRB), North Cumbria Health Action Zone & Hadfield Trust, have financed the scheme. The minibuses will be available for community groups to use through the Allerdale Brokerage Scheme, which enables voluntary groups and organisations to hire accessible affordable transport. The move promotes the social inclusion of communities and confirms the County Council's commitment to community transport.   

Tony Cunningham MP is looking forward to the event on Thursday. He says   

"I am delighted to have been asked to launch these two new buses. The Government is committed to sustainable transport for future generations. I am especially keen to ensure community groups are able to get out and about in affordable and accessible vehicles. Community owned mini buses provide added value and enable access to activities that enhance people's lives such as learning, health care and sport. The need for these buses has been clearly identified by the community through the Neighbourhood Forums and should ensure they are well used. I would like to congratulate Workington Regeneration, The Local Committee of the County Council, Salterbeck ACE and Allerdale Disability Association for responding so positively."   

County Councillor Barbara Cannon Chair of Allerdale Local Committee says, 

"The Local Committee of the County Council is pleased that it has been able to play a part in funding these new vehicles. The buses will be an excellent resource for voluntary groups within the town. There has been a clearly identified need for these buses and I am sure they will be heavily used. The County Council is committed to Community Transport Schemes and the Allerdale Brokerage Scheme, co-ordinated by North Cumbria Community Transport is a good example of what can be achieved by working together. The mini buses will be based in Workington with Allerdale Disability Association and Salterbeck ACE. They will be operated by the Allerdale Brokerage scheme and will bring our fleet of community buses in Allerdale up to 14."   

Councillor Jim Musgrave, Chairman of Workington Regeneration Board & Leader of Allerdale Borough Council says   

"I am thrilled that Workington Regeneration has been able to partner fund these two excellent vehicles. The three Neighbourhood Forums in Workington clearly identified in their community plans the need for Community Transport. The Regeneration of Workington is a not just about bricks and mortar schemes for the Town Centre but is also intended to benefit ordinary people within their communities. I am looking forward to seeing these two buses out and about."   

Anyone interested in learning more about the community mini bus service can contact Colin Spencer on 01900 819004.