THE FIRST Malvern Hills District Transport Summit of the year has been held to provide updates on public, private, community and voluntary sector providers, along with walking and cycling.
‘Connected Transport’ was the theme for the get-together held last month.
Worcestershire County Council provided an update on the Public Transport Network and Bus Service Improvement Plan, and Local Walking Cycling and Infrastructure Plans, including bids for funding to support its delivery.
Attendees also heard from Malvern Hills Community Car Club, which is aimed at improving accessibility to transport for residents in rural areas. The project will reduce carbon footprints by supporting community car clubs and e-bike schemes.
The district council has provided a grant of over £124,000 to support schemes and is reaching out to communities to get involved in setting up car clubs within their own communities.
Other investment by the district council, including new crowdfunding opportunities, were also discussed. This included the £150,000 People Make Places and £150,000 Ticket to Ride funds.
Among the guest speakers were Tina McLoughlin, Worcestershire County Council’s transport infrastructure and commissioning manager, Robin Coates, Co-founder of Malvern Hills Car Club, Kate Walton, Chief Officer of Community Action Malvern and District, John Driver, Chairman of Teme Wheels, and more.
Coun Sarah Rouse, Malvern Hills District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: “We were delighted to host this summit as transport is a significant priority for the council as outlined in our five-year plan actions on community transport, active travel and carbon zero.
“The summit gave us the opportunity to share plans, visions and next steps for improvements across the transport network, to ensure that we do so in a connected and sustainable way, with asset based approaches at the heart of this.”
The Ticket to Ride Fund is available to apply for now, visit malvernhills.gov.uk/crowdfunding for more information.
Go to malvernhills-carclubs.org.uk for more information on the Malvern Hills Community Car Club.
