Progress made on North Ayrshire on Community Pathfinder projectProgress made on North Ayrshire on Community Pathfinder project
Council bosses are taking the wheel and moving up the gears to deliver a transport project.
Council bosses are taking the wheel and moving up the gears to deliver a transport project.
An update on the progress of the community transport pathfinder project was given to the North Ayrshire cabinet on Tuesday. The venture is aimed at finding community-based answers to problems.
As well as shuttling people around, transport can help end loneliness and social isolation.
A fund of £100,000 for the community transport pathfinder project was made available as part of the budget in March.
Garnock Valley travel needs analysis is currently being developed and is being led by the Garnock Valley Locality Partnership and funded by the community investment fund, councillors heard.
The Garnock Valley locality action plan identified moving around as a priority and potential solutions to address travel issues.
A North Ayrshire-wide community engagement exercise is also being undertaken.
This aims to establish the demand for a community transport scheme across the region, including how this would be shaped to meet the needs of the community.
The plans will be agreed with the successful contractor, however, a broad range of engagement methods will be utilised to maximise engagement in the survey. The output will then be analysed to identify the next steps. It is envisaged that this work will also be complete by spring 2024.
Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for green environment and economy, has welcomed the development of the venture.
He said: “This project is vital in keeping our communities connected, tackling social isolation and helping address climate change by encouraging people to use more sustainable transport options.
“It will help give us a clearer picture of the struggles people are facing when trying to access transport, and the impact that not being able to travel has on their lives.
“I would encourage as many people as possible to participate in the forthcoming surveys to tell us their views about the specific transport challenges in their area.”