28/06/12

Swindon and Wiltshire to benefit from further investment in the sustainable transport infrastructure

The Swindon and Wiltshire LEP were delighted to learn today that the LEP area will receive £4.25m to invest in improvements to the rail infrastructure that will provide a real alternative for those wishing to travel by public transport across Wiltshire from North to South

The bid, led by Wiltshire Council, will see investment in the Trans-Wilts route from Swindon through to Westbury.

The Swindon & Wiltshire LEP has identified the transport infrastructure as a key economic enabler and the need for better road, rail and broadband connectivity on the North/South axis as particularly important. It has given its full support to this bid.

Paul Johnson, chair of Wiltshire and Swindon LEP, said:

"We’re delighted that Wiltshire Council have been successful in attracting this investment into the transport infrastructure – as it will have both environmental and economic benefits. The LEP Board have identified poor connectivity from North to South as a significant barrier to growth and anything that can help to kick-start our economy is welcome. We’re pleased that government have acknowledged the need to invest in the area and I’m sure it will help us achieve our goals of job growth and wealth creation by providing new business opportunities through better mobility that will benefit all those living and working in  Wiltshire & Swindon.”

Wiltshire Council Cabinet member for highways and transport Dick Tonge said:

"We are delighted that we have been successful in securing this Government funding which will make a positive improvement to our rail services in the county. Improved train services and better access to stations will mean less people using the car and a boost for local businesses as the county will have even better transport connections. This grant is seed money to get the service started, the long term success of this project will depend on the number of passengers using it. We will be entering negotiations with the rail company as soon as we have the details of the grant from the Government."

More information can be found on the DFT web-site: £266 million investment in local sustainable transport schemes: Written statement by Norman Baker

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