Reduced public transport services meant that it was more difficult for local residents and shoppers to access Parkway Shopping Centre in Coulby Newham, near Middlesbrough
Challenges:
| Not only a centre for commerce but an important piece of community infrastructure the centre provides vital facilities such as a Post Office and a place where people can socialise and engage |
| Initially set up for a trial period of 2 months, a minibus was hired one day a week to provide transport to the centre from nearby villages for the elderly and isolated |
Strategy:
| Minibus service timed to coincide with the day pensions are collected |
| Service was popular and increased to twice a week |
| Improving access to the centre helped it stay relevant as a place to shop and for social engagement |
| Service has now been in operation for two years |
Contact: Ruth Moorhouse