In celebration of Community Transport Week 2023, Cumberland Council is updating residents about the 'Community Wheels' scheme.
The 'Community Wheels' project is a community transport scheme which is supported by the council to provide sustainable transport solutions to local communities that are not served by regular bus routes.
In areas where conventional public buses might not be reached, the council’s innovative scheme offers an excellent and eco-friendly solution. Residents can now reduce their carbon footprint by sharing rides with the council’s friendly volunteer drivers aboard comfortable minibuses. This service not only covers its costs through passenger fares but also generates revenue by providing transport hires to community organisations.
The routes have various locations, including Welpo, Caldbeck, Hesket Newmarket, Newlands, Sedbergham, Welton, and Rosley. These destinations are based on advance bookings and a weekly basis. Additionally, the council also offer trips to Carlisle or Wigton at an affordable fare, conveniently payable by credit or debit card.
Participating in Community Wheels is effortless. Residents simply need to register for the service, after which our dedicated coordinator will connect them with one of our five professionally trained drivers, all of whom hold MiDAS certification. This ensures a safe and enjoyable journey for all passengers.
The journeys take people from the Caldbeck area to Carlisle on the first Monday of the month, followed by journeys to Wigton for the remaining Mondays of the month.
People wanting to use Caldbeck, and District’s Community Wheels must live in the area and sign up as a member of the scheme to book a journey in advance.
To register and for more information please contact:
- Antoinette Ward, Transport Coordinator at Northern Fells Group
- Address: Mardale, Upton, Caldbeck, Wigton, CA7 8EU
- Email: antoinette.ward@northernfellsgroup.org.uk
- Phone: 016974 78787
Councillor Denise Rollo, Cumberland Council’s Executive Portfolio Holder for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said:
“Caldbeck and District’s Community Wheels has been a successful initiative offering greener and safer travel options for local residents. We would like to encourage more community members to embrace these transport links.
“A heartfelt thank you goes out to our devoted volunteers who selflessly dedicate their time to make these journeys not just possible, but exceptional. Their contribution truly embodies the spirit of giving back to our community. Their dedication ensures that services like these continue to flourish and benefit our community.”