PROJECTS to improve local transport could get off the ground more quickly after the Government offered to double the level of funding available for next year.

Traffic calming in Ulverston, the introduction of 20mph zones and plans to provide pupils with better routes to schools in Dalton and Ulverston will be placed higher up the pecking order if some of the extra cash is secured.

Cumbria County Council's Furness Transport Steering Group, which met at Barrow Town hall, welcomed the announcement that the county can bid for £16 million as "good news."

Schemes, which are all still at the development stage, will now be assessed in December at a Local Transport Plan budget meeting of the area committee to decide which will be priority.

After the meeting, Coun Pauline Halfpenny said the better routes to schools scheme was of particular benefit in Ulverston.

"Parents tend to take children to school by car and we are trying to encourage as many as possible to walk.

The A590 goes right through the town and one of the reasons I think so many people take their children by car is because they think it is safer."

The meeting also agreed that Ulverston and Dalton stations have been given lower priority for access work than Barrow.

Members of the steering group recommended £10,000 be allocated for a study into major work at Barrow station including ramps, crossing from Abbey Road to bus stops outside the post office and signs.

The work is expected to cost £40,000.

They agreed cycle parking and a waiting area should be provided in Dalton and Ulverston should be better signposted and have four cycle lockers.