Government gives £591,015 to improve and restore bus services in Westmorland and Furness

The Department of Transport has made £591,015 available in time limited grants to Westmorland and Furness council to restore bus services and increase the frequency of services.

A report prepared by council officers to the council's Strategic Transport board said

“Many of our local hospitality businesses and visitor attractions in Westmorland and Furness are suffering from the continued effects of the COVID pandemic and ongoing labour shortages.

“Cumbria Tourism published its latest tourism tracker in March 2023 with business advisors Lamont Pridmore. The report identified that 86 per cent of businesses now say they are struggling to recruit with 59 per cent reporting it as a serious concern.

“This is exacerbated by the long-term demographic challenges, lack of affordable housing and limited public transport facilities.

Bus services which might be reinstated using this money include the 564 Sedbergh to Kendal route on Monday to Fridays which was previously axed earlier this year, and the Grange to Cartmel circular three day a week service which stopped operating in July 2019. The number 6 bus from Barrow to Windermere is among other routes set to receive funding to provide extra services at work times, evenings and Sundays.