Minister to Meet Lamb to Discuss Future of Community Transport

5.02.00pm GMT Wed 7th Jan 2004

Norman Lamb is to meet Transport Minister Tony McNulty to discuss the future of Community Transport schemes, including dial-a-ride services, in Norfolk.

Speaking in Parliament, Mr Lamb asked: "In Norfolk, Countryside Agency funding for a number of very valuable dial-a-ride services are coming to an end, and in some cases has already come to an end. The County Council has failed to plug the gap that has been left, and so a number of these schemes are literally on the brink of being lost. What action is the Minister taking to secure sustainable funding for these very important schemes which an awful lot of elderly people, in particular in rural areas, rely on absolutely?"

Mr McNulty said that he would be happy to meet with Mr Lamb and others in Norfolk.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Lamb said: "Many schemes are still under threat, but I am pleased that the proposed meeting with the Minister will go ahead."

In December, a call was made for the Conservative County Council Cabinet to put on hold the threat hanging over Norfolk schemes by plugging the funding gap. The decision has been delayed.