RURAL transport in Chorley could receive a boost following the launch of three new partnerships for Lancashire.

The Countryside Agency, in conjunction with Lancashire County Council, is setting up three new rural transport partnerships to develop additional transport facilities for the most needy rural communities in Lancashire.

The three partnerships can be grant- aided by the agency to a maximum of £U million over a three-year period to improve transport facilities for local people in the designated areas.

The partnerships cover north and south Lancashire and the south west, including parts of Merseyside and Greater Manchester.

Chris Kolek, Countryside Agency officer, said: "Once the partnerships have produced their action plans, we are able to extend grant aid to a wide range of innovative schemes for Lancashire that have already proved successful within the county or other areas around the UK.

"For instance, the partnerships will be able to consider funding a number of schemes, such as dial-a-ride, county car sharing schemes, workbuses, minibus sharing for local groups and more accessible vehicles for those with a mobility impairment.

"A diverse range of sustainable and innovative transport solutions will, as a result, make a real and positive difference to the lives of people living in Lancashire's rural areas."

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