Latest news with #NationalLotteryFund
The National
10-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Scottish bus firm axes all services after entering liquidation
Founded by Kilbarchan resident John McBarron in 2023, the non-profit organisation aimed to provide transport from Johnstone to the surrounding areas after residents complained from the community about the quality of bus services. The bus company said that as of Tuesday, it will no longer operate the bus services. READ MORE: Talking Heads star David Byrne announces two Scottish shows in new world tour In a post on social media, the former director attributed the 'difficult decision' to cease operations due to 'rising costs and cash flow' challenges. The firm had received over £35,000 of funding from Renfrewshire Council and the National Lottery Fund. In their statement, Johnstone and Area Community Transport thanked its drivers, saying they were the best 'in the world' and have 'shown the bus industry how to operate services with genuine recognition of people's needs'. The statement said: 'It is with great sadness that an agent has been appointed for the liquidation of our small company. 'Rising costs and cash flow problems have led us to make this difficult decision. 'SPT was informed last week that we were in a critical financial position. 'We are incredibly grateful for the loyalty of our passengers and hope we have demonstrated the demand for additional local bus services. (Image: PA) 'We are also thankful to Renfrewshire Council and The National Lottery Fund, which together provided £35,000 in funding.' The statement continued: 'This figure represents less than half of what I personally contributed to this company. 'After working for a year without pay, I can no longer sustain the financial burden. 'The team of drivers, in my opinion, are the best drivers in the world. 'Their humility, empathy, and community spirit are unparalleled. 'They have shown the bus industry how to operate services with genuine recognition of people's needs, rather than treating them solely as revenue. 'The entire community supported us. We wish everyone the very best on their future journeys. 'Sadly, we will not be part of them.'
BBC News
06-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Middlesbrough children get free activities to cut inequality
A town's mayor has launched a pilot scheme that aims to ensure children have access to 10 activities by the age of 10x10 programme is part of the Middlesbrough Childhood Guarantee and will see youngsters offered experiences like free access to swimming lessons, sport events and theatre tickets as part of a pledge to reduce year the Department of Work and Pensions found the town's Newport ward had the highest levels of child poverty in the UK at 85%.Labour mayor Chris Cooke said: "I came from a care background where I didn't get the same opportunities as other people growing up, but I also know how life changing a few amazing experiences can be." Initially the programme will be run as a pilot scheme involving a number of Middlesbrough's primary schools, but could be rolled out across the town at a later will be given a booklet and encouraged to tick off the events as they Childhood Guarantee was unveiled on Thursday as the National Lottery Fund announced a £1.4m investment in youth service providers in the Junction, Youth Focus North East, Actes Trust and Linx Youth Project will receive a share of the money for their work with young people and families. Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
BBC News
08-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Coventry dementia charity cafe secures £280k funding
Dementia charity cafe secures £280k funding A community hub that supports people with dementia has welcomed extra funding to run its cafe. The Forget Me Not Cafe is part of the Coventry Dementia Partnership Hub, which opened its doors in Holbrooks two years ago, offering a safe space for those with the condition and respite for their carers. Thanks to the National Lottery Fund, the Hub has received £280,000 over the next five years to continue the work. "The cafe is at the heart of the Hub, which adds to a fantastic resource for families and carers to get the support and helps to reduce any stigma of dementia within communities," Councillor Linda Bigham said.
