From Bucks County Council by email:
A new scheme aimed at improving links for people who live away from major transport routes has been launched in Buckinghamshire.
Transport for Buckinghamshire, Buckinghamshire Community Foundation and Community Impact Bucks have worked together to introduce the Community Transport Challenge Fund.
Approximately 75 community transport schemes exist in the county, often run by a small team of volunteers. The aim of the Community Transport Challenge is to support new and existing services in activities that help people get around. Grants of up to £30,000 will be available to registered charities, village car schemes and social enterprises. A total of £150,000 is available, to be split between the successful applicants, and can be used for either capital or revenue purposes.
Peter Hardy, Buckinghamshire County Council Cabinet Member for Planning and Transportation, said “This excellent scheme gives local charities, social enterprises and parish groups the chance to come up with accessible transport solutions which meet the varied needs of their communities.”
The activities must either be completely new projects or a clearly different approach to an existing service and the award of funds will be split into two phases:
Phase One: Summer 2012- November 2012
Phase Two: January 2013- 30th June 2013
All applicants will be supported by Buckinghamshire Community Foundation and Community Impact Bucks, who will also take applicants through a health check.
For further information about the Fund and how to apply, contact Buckinghamshire Community Foundation on 01296 330134 or email info@buckscf.org.uk The deadline for expressions of interest is October 1st 2012.
