SPT News
Community transport services in North Ayrshire and Arran receive renewed funding.
Funding for community transport
June 29, 2009 NewsSPT has agreed to continue funding vital community transport services in North Ayrshire and Arran.
The British Red Cross Society has for a number of years provided a door-to-door transport and escort service in the region.
This helps elderly, infirm and geographically isolated people to get to healthcare appointments and visit relatives in hospital.
Last year, SPT stepped in to provide interim funding when the Red Cross faced a cash shortfall for the North Ayrshire project.
This allowed the charity to continue the scheme whilst preparing a longer-term funding proposal - now totalling £69,382 for 2009/10.
SPT's Operations Committee approved this spend to secure the project's future.
Chair of SPT, Councillor Alistair Watson, said: "This project plays a valuable role within its local community.
"It helps provide accessible transport to healthcare for those who find it difficult to use mainstream services or who may otherwise be left without public transport.
"I'm delighted that we are able to fund the project for and I have no doubt that this is money well spent.
"We have a duty to support community transport schemes and this one for North Ayrshire and Arran is certainly very deserving of that support."
The funding will be used to: increase service delivery by 5% during the funding period; review service needs on the North Ayrshire mainland; recruit and train additional volunteers; heighten awareness of the project and engage with local voluntary health-related groups to share knowledge and resources.
The announcement also features on the British Red Cross website (opens a new window).
