MP calls for new transport deal for rural communities

On the floor of the House of Commons this morning, South Lakes MP Tim Farron urged ministers to invest in rural bus services.

Speaking during Transport Questions, Tim said: "In places such as Sedbergh and Dent, community bus services have become a lifeline for people who would otherwise be isolated from the communities around them, and I am massively grateful to the volunteers who make those services possible.

"Community bus services have become essential because over the past 30 years Governments of all colours have chosen to stop seeing the provision of bus services as a service at all and have allowed rural communities such as mine to become increasingly cut off and stranded.

"Will the Minister agree to launch a new transport deal for rural communities, with new investment for bus services that are regular, reliable and affordable?

In response the Transport Minister Nusrat Ghani said she was "more than happy" to meet with Tim to discuss ways they can improve local bus services.