MORE than £2.3m a year is spent in High Streets across Devon by community transport users, according to new figures.

The estimate is based on a survey carried out last November by the Community Transport Associations in Devon. More than 4,500 Ring and Ride and Shopmobility service users were asked how much they had spent on their shopping trips during the month.

The anonymous respondents revealed that they spent just over £153,500 during November, which means services users are spending an estimated £2.36m in Devon high streets each year.

During a year more than 34,600 passengers use Ring and Ride buses and more than 7,000 access Shopmobility services.

For every pound invested by Devon County Council on community transport, almost £9 is spent locally. Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: “These figures highlight just how important community transport is in Devon and how it helps to support the economy.”

“Ring and Ride, Shopmobility and other forms of community transport ensure that people are not cut off.

“They connect rural communities with their nearest market or coastal town, helping residents access local shops and other vital services.

“It can make a massive difference to the thousands of people who make use of the transport and it must be remembered that its success is due to volunteers as well as staff.”