Boost for local transport links

12.21.43pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 30th Dec 2004

More Epping residents will be able to take advantage of Epping Forest's Community Transport service in the future. The service has won funding from the Essex Community Fund to expand its activity.

"For the first time the weekly service will include Epping. Elderly and disabled residents can use community transport to get to shops in Epping and Loughton," said local Liberal Democrat county councillor Janet Whitehouse.

In March, when the 210 bus service was withdrawn, Janet secured a grant from Essex County Council to enable Epping Forest Community Transport to provide a service for regular users for six months.

This new grant means the service can continue and expand..

The community transport service is available to anyone who has difficulty using normal buses and also who have no bus service in their area.

KENNEDY PLEDGES FREE TRANSPORT

Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy has launched a campaign to give all pensioners free transport.

"The Liberal Democrats will go into the next General Election with clearly costed plans to expand the London Freedom pass scheme across the country," said Epping Forest Parliamentary spokesperson Michael Heavens.