Community groups can stake a claim for transport schemes from a pot of government funding worth £500,000 to Kent.

Around £450,000 has come from the Department for Transport and £50,000 from Kent County Council (KCC) through the Community Transport Grant.

KCC has made funding available from its National Bus Strategy where communities have been impacted by changes to public transport.

KCC Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Neil Baker, said: “We are delighted to again offer the chance for community groups and local councils to bid for funding to support their communities and are grateful for UK Government’s support in enabling us to do this.

“Since the pandemic, these sorts of schemes can be increasingly valuable while the bus network continues to recover in the face of continued challenges.

“Those who are successful at bidding for funding will receive a one-off grant to introduce or enhance local transport schemes in their communities.”

Roads Minister Richard Holden said: “People up and down the country deserve a modern, reliable, and affordable public transport system. That is why we have allocated Kent County Council with over £39 million to boost its bus services.

“Supporting the council with delivering the £450,000 Community Transport Grant is fantastic for local charities, residents’ groups, and parish and town councils, who will now have a real opportunity to help improve local bus services in Kent.”

Applications are now open and should be submitted before the deadline by December 18.