The government has granted £120,000 to support the Travelling Light project in the Hope Valley. 

Created by local charity Hope Valley Climate Action, the project aims to improve walking and cycling facilities; increase the take-up of public transport; and reduce private vehicle use across the Hope Valley. 

In its first year, the project will develop proposals for new integrated public transport hubs, and roll out car sharing schemes in the Valley. 

High Peak MP Robert Largan - who spoke at the launch of the project in Bamford last summer - has supported Hope Valley Climate Action with the development of their plans and pushed the government to support their scheme. 

The local MP coordinated meetings between the group and Minister for Active Travel, Trudy Harrison MP, who has responsibility for the decarbonisation of transport. In April, Mr Largan met with Transport Secretary Grant Shapps to make the case directly for government funding to support the Travelling Light project. 

Hope Valley Climate Action was set up three years ago to help tackle climate change, and now boasts over 800 members - both in the Valley and further afield. 

Roger Clarke, HVCA’s travel and transport lead, said: "We are delighted that Travelling Light has received Government support. The project is unique in that it will be led by the local community, and puts rural travel centre stage.

"The Hope Valley currently receives between three and five million visitors a year. 90% of these journeys are made by car. This level is unsustainable given that the transport sector remains the largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the UK." 

MP Largan said: “I am delighted by today’s announcement that the Hope Valley Climate Action Travelling Light project will receive £120,000 of Government funding. 

“For the past year, I have been working hard behind the scenes to support this project, meeting regularly with the group and ministers at the Department for Transport. 

“I would like to thank Roger Clarke and all those at Hope Valley Climate Action who have worked so hard on this fantastic local initiative. 

“The Peak District is a special place. We must conserve it for future generations.”

The Travelling Light plan can be read online at hopevalleyclimateaction.org.uk/travel-and-transport/travelling-light 

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