A community transport scheme is rolling out new routes in north Cumbria.
From Monday, February 6, Community Wheels will offer a weekly service from Caldbeck and district to Carlisle on the first Monday of the month, followed by journeys to Wigton for the remaining Mondays of the month.
Tysons previously served the area on Tuesdays.
Three volunteers took part in nationally accredited minibus driver training and they are now on a rota to drive the 14-seater, fully accessible county council-owned minibus on journeys throughout the Allerdale district.
People wanting to use Caldbeck, and District’s Community Wheels must live in the area and sign up as a member of the scheme in order to book a journey in advance.
Demand responsive accessible community transport for residents of Whelpo, Caldbeck, Hesket Newmarket, Newlands, Sebergham, Rosley, Welton to Carlisle (first Monday of the month only) or Wigton.
Carlisle collections will be the first Monday of every month, and Caldbeck to Wigton will be available every second, third and fourth (or fifth) Monday of the month.
- Approximate departure from Whelpo is 10.10am
- Approximate returning times – from Carlisle 2.15pm/from Wigton 1.15pm
- Passengers must book by noon on Sunday
Councillor Keith Little, Cumbria County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “We have been working closely with a team of local people to set up this scheme, so that the local community can get out and about in their area. I would like to say a big thank you to our fantastic volunteers who make services like this possible.”
For information about how Community Wheels can be developed in your area, or to sign up as a volunteer driver, please contact Katy Wood, voluntary transport officer at Cumbria County Council’s Transport Services Team on 0333 240 69 65 (option 5) or 07788 396194.
To join the Caldbeck and District’s Community Wheels scheme, please email [email protected] or phone 016974 78787.
The minibus is also available for group hires through Cumbria Community Transport, which can be contacted on 01946 812777 (Allerdale) or 01228 402811 (Carlisle).
