The Market Weighton Town Crier

News Release

Contact: Adam Fowler
Telephone: (01482) 471121 or (01430) 810425
Email:  info@hullenvironmentforum.org.uk

Shiptonthorpe has it's say on local transport needs.

Residents in the Parish of Shiptonthorpe, near Market Weighton are being urged to voice their opinions about local transport needs. The City of Hull Environment Forum (CHEF) is working on behalf of the government's Countryside Agency in conjunction with the Parish Council to find out views and identify possible solutions. Every house in Shiptonthorpe will this week receive a questionnaire, which should be completed by the household.

Transport is a significant issue in rural areas, due to both the transport needs of people who live in or visit the countryside and the impacts of transport on the rural environment. Most rural people rely on their cars for the majority of journeys. Car ownership is higher, on average, and journeys are longer (and take more time) in rural than urban areas.

The Countryside Agency is working on several fronts to improve public transport options for residents. The Parish Transport Grant is one of two kinds of grants to encourage innovative approaches to transport provision. The grant can support small scale transport projects like purchasing cars, mopeds or minibuses for community use or funding for a local bus company to divert a service through a village. Similarly, the fund could be used for promote walking or cycling or supporting community transport schemes. The scheme will run for three years until 31 March 2004.

Shiptonthorpe Parish has a population of approximately 406 people in 149 houses (1991 Census). The Parish is focused on the village mainly alongside the main busy A1079 (T) and is served by a regular (hourly) bus service X46 operated by East Yorkshire Motor Services linking Hull and York.

Further copies of the questionnaire can be obtained from The City of Hull Environment Forum, The Voluntary Organisations Centre, 29 Anlaby Road, HULL, HU1 2PG. Telephone (01482) 471121 or email: info@hullenvironmentforum.org.uk.

Comment: 'This is a unique opportunity for the residents of Shiptonthorpe to have their say about local transport needs. We urge everyone to complete the Freepost questionnaire so that the best solutions can be identified.' Adam Fowler, Community Environment Officer, The City of Hull Environment Forum

Editors note. The City of Hull Environment Forum (CHEF) is a local charity working to improve the region's living environment. It has a membership of over 30 organisations with an interest in the environment throughout Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire.

Received 12 February 2002

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