Local voluntary transport organisations were yesterday boosted by Lewes MP Norman Baker, who was appearing on the floor of the Commons during oral questions in his capacity as a Transport Minister.
During the session, in which Mr Baker answered questions on a variety of subjects including bus services and sustainable travel in rural areas, Norman highlighted the successful Cuckmere Community Bus scheme in the Lewes constituency as an example for others to follow in setting up community transport projects.
When asked about alternative travel in rural areas, Norman commented:
"In rural areas it is difficult to find alternatives to the private car, but there are examples across the country, not least in my constituency, where voluntary organisations have come together to form effectively operating bus routes, and there is a good community transport network, with dial-a-ride and other such services.
"We are also investigating in the Department alternatives to travel, including the roll-out of broadband and home working to enable those in rural areas to benefit from society as a whole. Ultimately, of course, local authorities are best placed to decide on local transport policies, and the Government's policy of removing ring-fencing will enable them to respond more sensitively to issues such as those raised today."
Norman Baker later commented:
"Oral questions are an excellent way of highlighting local issues and examples of things which work well, such as the Cuckmere Community bus and the Newhaven-based Community Transport for the Lewes Area here in the Lewes constituency. I hope that by drawing attention to these worthwhile schemes, it will be possible to persuade more communities to set up similar projects.
"The transport sector will continue to play an important role as the coalition government attempts to create a sustainable low-carbon economy. I am pleased to have been given the chance to explain what progress the Department is making on these important issues."
|Home
Contact Norman at:
Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
Email: info
