This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
The Isle of Wight Council has been told its bid for funding under the government’s latest Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF) has been successful.
The local authority will now find out in the autumn how much money it will receive under the scheme, having put in a bid for just under £1 million.
LSTF is a scheme that promotes the use of green and sustainable transport, such as improving cycling facilities, reducing carbon emissions from vehicles and increasing the use of public transport.
Boost for green tourism
Having successfully been awarded funding under the previous LSTF scheme in 2012, a number of schemes have been carried out using the money.
These include upgrading several cycle tracks and bridleways across the Island such as the Cowes to Newport cycle track, and making community grants available to allow businesses to install cycling facilities including bike racks and shelters.
Other schemes include converting a number of buses to carry bicycles, increasing the profile of events such as the Isle of Wight Walking and Cycling festivals, improving access to the Island’s coastal path, and establishing the ‘Bicycle Island’ marketing campaign in conjunction with Visit Isle of Wight.
Commitment to being a sustainable Island
Councillor Luisa Hillard, Executive member for sustainability, environment and public realm, said:
“The success of this grant application shows how committed this council is to developing more sustainable forms of transport.
“The first LSTF grant was focused on promoting car-free tourism but our plan under the second grant from the LSTF is focused on helping residents get to school and work without using petrol or diesel cars.
“We will be working with our partners to run various schemes and projects aimed at making long-term changes as part of our commitment to being a sustainable Island.”
Informing the council of its decision to approve the LSTF bid, the Department for Transport commended the bid for ‘showing a very strong understanding of the issues and opportunities on the Island, such as access to employment, as well as how increases in the take up of cycling and walking could be achieved.’
Full details in the application embedded below. Click on the full screen icon to see larger version.
