IMPORTANT rural bus links in South Lakeland have been secured after government funding was increased by about £40,000.
The X35 service from Kendal to Barrow-in-Furness, the 106 from Kendal to Penrith, and the 532 from Grange-over-Sands to Cartmel and Allithwaite are among the routes protected.
The three routes are funded 100 per cent from money made available through the Government's Rural Bus Subsidy Grant.
Cumbria received a total of just under £1.5million for the next financial year, of which around £450,000 will be spent in South Lakeland on services that could not otherwise be offered.
Cumbria County Council press officer Ian Sadler said: "It's a splash in the ocean but any new money is welcome. This grant has already been committed to rural buses."
He said much more money would be needed to make a significant difference in improving services.
Transport minister Tony McNulty said: "The services supported by this grant are playing an increasing role in tackling rural social exclusion and improving transport choice in rural areas."
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