The Department for Transport 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. That is to say, travel lighter!

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, has long supported Hope Valley Climate Action with the development of their plans, meeting regularly with them, and pushing the Government to support their scheme. Mr Largan was particularly thrilled to speak at the launch of the Travelling Light project in Bamford in July 2021.

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 Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP, 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.

Robert Largan, MP for High Peak, commented:

“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.