RESIDENTS and community groups from former mining villages are being urged to take advantage of extra money available to improve access to transport.

Dene Valley Parish Council still has a substantial amount of money left from a £10,000 grant given by the Countryside Agency at the beginning of the year.

The money is available to individuals or community groups who would like to become more mobile.

The chairman of Dene Valley Parish Council, Councillor Chris Foote Wood, said: "I would appeal to the residents of the Dene Valley parish and organisations to take advantage of this grant.

"So far, we have spent about £1,500 out of the £10,000 we were given. We have advertised it in the Press and have put leaflets through people's doors, but we don't think residents realise that they qualify for the money"

The grant can be used for a wide range of purposes, including visits to doctors, dentists or hospitals.

It can also be used for out-of-school activities, community group outings, college events or sports centres.

Coun Foote Wood said: "It gives access to facilities that are not in the villages. 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."

People wishing to apply for financial help towards transport costs can obtain an application form from the One Stop Shop, in Eldon Lane.