PARISH councillors are hoping a scheme to provide villagers with better access to transport will be operating by the start of next month.

Dene Valley Parish Council has been given a £10,000 grant from the Countryside Agency, which will be available to individuals or community groups to help them become more mobile.

Chairman of the council, Councillor Chris Foote Wood, said: "We're hoping to start the scheme up at the beginning of February when people will be able to get a 90 per cent grant for travelling.

"It could be used for things such as shopping, going to the doctors or dentists, hospital, college, sports centres or out-of-school activities.

"It will give people access to facilities that are not in the villages and we hope that it will be successful.

"People would pay a minimum of a pound and if the grants are authorised they would be reimbursed 90 per cent of the cost in broad terms."

He added: "It would be particularly useful for old people, disabled people, young children and various groups.

"It could be used for taxis, minibuses, or even travelling on the normal bus or train service although it has to be approved in advance of course.

"This is the first big project the parish council has undertaken. It's still not finalised yet, but we are very hopeful."