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The Fast-track Fund


The Linking Communities Rural Transport and Access Fast-track Fund (FTF) has proved easily accessible and greatly beneficial to many voluntary and community groups throughout rural Essex. The Fund is available to  non-profit making organisations to finance small-scale (up to £1,500) improvements to transport services throughout rural Essex.

 

The following list is an example of the priority funding and is not exhaustive:


  • Surveys to determine local needs, e.g. transport and access surveys, surveys to identify demand for a new service, etc
  • Pump priming funding, to help set up new services- especially those that can demonstrate potential of an ongoing sustainability, e.g. establishing a mobile service, community shop, etc.
  • Promotion of existing services, e.g. literature, community transport stickers, etc.
  • Improving the viability of services, such as training for staff/volunteers, extension of existing transport services, etc.
  • Improving communication and information distribution in villages regarding access to services, e.g. village websites, magazines and newsletters, village ICT initiatives, etc.
  • Improving the safety of new and existing services, e.g. wheelchair restraints in minibuses, etc.
  • Improving conditions and provision for walking and cycling
  • Improving access to local leisure, e.g. village tourism leaflets.

 

Up to £3,000 is available to any organisation developing a project that demonstrates wider community benefits. The fund has been highly successful and to date has awarded funding to over 50 projects across Essex, which include:


  • A Transport and Access needs consultation in Alphamstone
  • Sign posting for the Brightlingsea Foot ferry
  • Satellite navigation systems on St John Ambulance minibuses
  • Producing literature to help promote village walks

 

Share the success of your project with your community! Email us on transport@essexrcc.org.uk

 

For more information please contact Kris Radley, the RCCE Rural Transport and Access Adviser, on 0844 4773938 (calls charged at local rate). Alternatively, you can access the application form and guidelines here.