THE long-term future of a green travel scheme has been secured following the confirmation of new funding.

The Hartlepool Active Travel Hub, which works closely with local companies and employees to promote sustainable forms of travel, including cycling, walking, public transport and car sharing, is to receive a share of £3.23 million allocated to the Tees Valley from the Government’s Sustainable Travel Access Fund.

The Hartlepool Council-led scheme originally ran for a year until March 2016, supported by the Government’s Local Sustainable Travel Fund (LSTF).

When that pot of money dried up the future looked uncertain, but the scheme was given a 12-month reprieve when it received additional money from a temporary source.

The latest round of funding means its future has been secured for a further three years.

The council’s sustainable travel officer Tony Davison, who co-ordinates the work of the Hartlepool Active Travel Hub, said: “The benefits of sustainable and active modes of travel such as cycling, walking and public transport are considerable. In particular, the greater use of these forms of travel is crucial to us achieving our economic regeneration priorities for the town in a sustainable way by helping to ensure that developments do not adversely affect local roads in terms of congestion and safety.”

Companies and individuals wishing to find out more about the scheme should contact Mr Davison by calling 01429-523259 or tony.davison@hartlepool.gov.uk