Funding has been extended for a vital bus service in West Lindsey

Hundreds of residents across 60 villages in West Lindsey including Saxilby, Dunholme, Spridlington and Scothern, have benefited from the expanded CallConnect service since it was introduced in November 2017.

Lincolnshire County Council and West Lindsey District Council worked in partnership to expand the on-demand bus service to further areas in the district to tackle transport issues.

Following a special concurrent meeting of the prosperous co mmunities and p olicy and resources committee, it was agreed to continue to fund the service.

The council has set aside £90,000 over the next two years to continue to support the service.

Coun Owen Bierley, chairman of the prosperous communities committee, welcomed the news.

He said: “The council recognises that there are many challenges and issues around transport which impacts many of our rural communities in West Lindsey.

“I am pleased that we have been able to extend the funding to support this vital service, which is led by Lincolnshire County Council.”

Grant White, enterprising communities manager at the council said the CallConnect service enables hundreds of residents to travel to more locations, hubs and services as well as providing improved connectivity to the wider bus and rail network.

He said: “I am pleased that we are able to continue to fund the service for two years.

“However, we must remember that during the current pandemic the service is only available for vital journeys as we continue to follow the government’s advice on social distancing.”

CallConnect is a public bus service that operates in response to pre-booked requests. Registration is free but you must be a member to book a journey.

CallConnect’s on-demand bookable service is contin uing to operate for essential passenger journeys and p lease follow Government guidelines at www.gov.uk/coronavirus when you are travelling. To find out more about the service, visit www.ConnectLincolnshire.com or call 0345 234 3344 or visit https://lincsbus.info.