MP’s delight as Lib Dem Council announces half a million pounds on transport to school and college for young people

Cumbrian MP Tim Farron has warmly welcomed the decision from the new Liberal Democrat-run Westmorland and Furness Council to invest £500,000 on helping young people in rural areas access transport to school or college.

Meanwhile, the Council has also announced £70k to fund a discount bus travel scheme for all 5-20 year olds.

An extra £1m has also been designated to be spent this year on local sustainable transport schemes, like cycling and walking routes and community transport.

It comes just days after Tim secured a meeting with Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove, to discuss how to support Westmorland and Furness Council with bus services in the area.

Commenting, Tim said: "I'm absolutely delighted to see our new Council going on the front foot and investing in supporting young people in our most rural villages travel to school or college.

"Improving public transport as a whole is absolutely vital to not only education, but to our economy and to tackling climate change too, so it's brilliant to see Westmorland and Furness Council announce a raft of measures to keep our communities connected."

Neil Hughes, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environmental Services on Westmorland and Furness Council added: "Helping young people in our most rural areas get to school and college was one of my main priorities when I took on this role, so I'm proud we are able to announce this funding.

"Travel costs must not a barrier to young people achieving their potential."