The handing over of a cheque which has made it possible to have a third Fellrunner bus in Eden will take place tomorrow at 11.30am at Penrith bus station.
Cllr Ian Stewart, Cumbria County Council's Cabinet member responsible for passenger transport, will make the presentation to Duncan Graham CBE, Chairman of Fellrunner Village Bus Ltd.
Fellrunner has been operating in 42 Eden Valley villages from Armathwaite to Milburn along the Eden valley and Fellside and Crosby Ravensworth and the Lyvennet valley to the West for over 28 years. Run by a dedicated group of 25 volunteers, the registered charity provides services on twelve different routes six days a week, providing a lifeline for the young and old who would not otherwise be able to travel into Penrith and Carlisle.
The Fellrunner also runs guided tours for visitors and residents. In addition the buses are available for local community groups to hire for various outings.
The third new Fellrunner bus has been made possible by £25,000 from Cumbria County Council’s Cumbria Rural Infrastructure Support Project (CRISP) and a £14,000 contribution from the Department for Transport's Rural Bus Challenge. The remaining funding has been provided by the Fellrunner organisation itself.
Cllr Ian Stewart said: "Fellrunner's running costs are covered entirely by the voluntary effort, but the buses do need to be replaced regularly so they can run smoothly and safely. Eden local committee provides regular financial support, but this CRISP grant will also provide a much-needed boost to Fellrunner's coffers. The fact that the service has been running so long and is so well used means it's one of the most successful schemes of its sort in the country. It's a shining example of the dedication and community spirit of rural Cumbria."
Duncan Graham said: "We are deeply grateful to the County Council for these generous grants which will really help us to sustain our 100% reliability record. People rely totally on the friendly ‘blue bus’ appearing over the hill day after day and on time. The new bus, due in early May will be user friendly comfortable and spacious and with its big windows ideal for viewing the scenic treasures of the fellsides. Our volunteer drivers are pretty excited too."
ENDS
Media enquiries to Gareth Cosslett, News Manager on 01228 606332
Notes
For more information visit http://www.fellrunnerbus.co.uk/ (external link) Fellrunner always needs volunteer drivers who receive full driver training from a qualified trainer. Volunteers are also needed to and help with all the administration required in running community transport. For more information on how to become a volunteer contact Caroline Watson on 01228 606725.