Published at 13:04, Tuesday, 20 July 2010

By Katie RobinsonYOUNG people in Grange and Cartmel can travel for nothing this summer thanks to a free bus scheme.

The programme will make it easier for people aged between 11 and 16 to get around the area, to activities in Kendal and Barrow, such as the cinema, sports centres and shopping during the summer holidays.

The offer is available to young people living in Allithwaite, Broughton East, Cartmel Fell, Colton, Grange, Haverthwaite, Lower Holker, and Staveley-in-Cartmel areas until September 3, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays.

Grange mayor, Councillor Tom Harvey, said: “We wanted to help give young people some freedom.

“We want young people to take advantage of public transport. When speaking to them, the said they felt it was too expensive, so this is an opportunity to for under-16s to get out and about without having to rely on their parents.

“It allows people to grow up and develop with a little bit of independence. I hope more and more people take advantage of it.”

The scheme has been funded by The Grange and Cartmel Local Area Partnership (LAP), which is a partnership between councillors from Cumbria County Council, South Lakeland District Council and the local parish councils. It has been set up to make it easier for young people, particularly those who live in rural areas, to get around the South Lakeland area via sustainable transport.

Free journeys are available on the X35 service on stops between Haverthwaite and Lindale and on the 532 on all stops between Cartmel and Lindale including travel to Kendal or Barrow. Vouchers are available to download at: www.cumbria.gov.uk/freebus/

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