MINIBUS providers in Eddisbury have been urged to bid for a slice of a £25milllion pot to improve transport links by Winsford MP Steven O’Brien.

Mr O’Brien has welcomed new government funding to support community transport services, and has urged local providers in Eddisbury to bid for support.

A pot of £25million is up for grabs to help fund hundreds of voluntary community transport providers with new minibuses.

Mr O’Brien said: “This is great news for community bus services in Eddisbury and I urge them to take this opportunity to bid for a share of the £25million.

“Bus services are vital to towns and villages in Eddisbury – so I’m pleased we’re supporting these great services who already do so much for people here.”

Community bus services provide transport for people who do not have access to conventional public transport or who are unable to use it, usually for health or mobility reasons.

The funding will allow providers to invest in a new minibus to expand their service or to replace an old one.

Any community transport provider can bid for one vehicle, with smaller operators and those in rural or isolated areas favoured.

Mr O’Brien added:  “This investment in our community is all part of our long-term economic plan, which is delivering a better future for Britain and, stronger, more secure communities.”