MP hails £3bn funding boost for UK roads
EAST Runcorn MP Graham Evans has welcomed the announcement of £3bn investment in the UK’s roads.
He said the funding would boost travel for motorists across the country and at home in his constituency of Weaver Vale, covering most of east Runcorn, Frodsham, Daresbury and Northwich.
Chancellor Philip Hammond’s Autumn Statement included £925m to tackle congestion and provide upgrades on local roads, £175m to improve the ‘50 most dangerous’ routes in the country, £220m for Highways England to deal with congestion and more funding to fix potholes.
A spokeswoman for Mr Evans said that the money was in addition to the £6bn that the Government has committed to allocating to councils in England up until 2021 to boost the condition of the nonmotorway network.
She said this was ‘almost double’ the £6.7bn allocated a decade ago.
Critics have questioned why the notorious stretch of the M56 between Runcorn and Chester was not among the schemes to receive funding.
But the Runcorn Tory MP was upbeat about the funding awarded. Mr Evans said: “This investment is great ● ● news for families and businesses in Weaver Vale who rely on our roads to get around. “These schemes are focused on relieving congestion and providing important upgrades to ensure that our roads are fit for the future – helping people get from A to B quickly and safely.
“The funding to fix potholes in our area will also be welcome news for local motorists, many of whom have expressed their frustration to me about the state of our roads. I’m encouraging the council to make full use of their funding allocation.
“Taken together, these measures will help to build a stronger local economy by linking people with jobs, businesses with customers, ensuring a country that works for everyone, not just the privileged few.”