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Funding approved for sustainable transport
schemes
WIRRAL Council's transport network is set for further
improvements after the Council leader accepted a grant of more than ₤3 million
from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
Following on from announcements earlier this month that the Council is investing
more than ₤5 million on programmes to improve highway maintenance works and
integrated transport in Wirral, yesterday's decision will enable several
sustainable transport projects to proceed.
The allocation of ₤3,025,000 will allow Wirral Council to carry out the 2nd
Phase of the Sustainable Transport Enhancement Programme (STEP) that improves
pedestrian and bicycle access to areas in Wirral that are vital to economic
growth in the area. The Council will also contribute more than ₤250,000 to the
scheme, bringing the total investment to ₤3,282,000.
Council Leader, Cllr Phil Davies, said:- "I am delighted Wirral has been
successful in securing more than ₤3 million to deliver 5 major transport
projects; helping to make key employment and retail sites in the borough more
attractive, more accessible and less congested. The success of our economy
depends upon good transport links. We are working constantly to make it easier
and safer to travel around Wirral and we will continue to invest in our local
infrastructure to keep the borough moving."
The 5 schemes which will benefit from this latest
funding award are:-
► Northbank East ? to improve pedestrian and cycle access to Wirral
Waters' West Float development
► East Float / Duke Street ? improving facilities for pedestrians and
cyclists to safely use this key route between Birkenhead and Wallasey to access
employment opportunities
► Campbelltown Road ? improving accessibility for pedestrians and
cyclists to Rock Retail Park and employment opportunities around the Cammell
Laird site
► New Chester Road ? improving connections between the Croft Retail Park
and the Wirral International Business Park
► A41 Carlett Park link ? improved and safer links to the International
Business Park for cyclists and pedestrians, including the provision of a new
off-road route and new crossings.
STEP is a 6 year programme across the Liverpool City Region running from
2015 to 2021. After the announcement of the Growth Deal in 2014, the Government
made a total of ₤41.4m available to the LCR to deliver the programme. Wirral
initially received ₤1.7 million in July 2015, for years 1 and 2 of the local
STEP programme.
Cllr Davies added:- "We have pledged to provide a transport and technology
infrastructure in Wirral that is fit for the future and this funding will help
us to deliver that in the next 3 years by ensuring safe, affordable, well
maintained and efficient transport networks which give local residents better
access to employment opportunities, leisure facilities and community services." |
