Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has welcomed an upturn in local community transport journeys after holding talks with the Community Transport Association and a number of rural service operators.

The discussions focused on how enhanced Department for Infrastructure funding over the past year has strengthened this vital network, with providers reporting wider reach and greater flexibility for people living in rural communities.

Speaking after the meeting, Minister Kimmins said: "Community transport provision is a priority for me and last year I increased funding for the sector by over £1m. I was delighted to meet some of these organisations today and hear exactly how that additional funding has made such a tangible difference to the lives of so many¸ particularly for those most vulnerable and often isolated people who live in our rural communities. "The additional funding has supported the sector to increase the number of trips delivered last year, allowing many of these organisations to meet an increase in local demand for their services by delivering more journeys with greater flexibility. This has in turn, ensured that more and more users can access those essential everyday tasks and services that so many of us simply take for granted, such as attending medical appointments, going to the shops or to meet with family and friends.

"A significant proportion of these journeys are for older people and that can have such an impact on someone's life by helping to give them back their independence and keeping them connected with family, friends, and the wider community.

"I will continue to put people at the heart of everything I do as Minister and remain determined to do what I and my Department can, to protect and deliver the quality of services that every one deserves."