Transport project cash

HILLINGDON is to receive £5.8 million to pay for ‘improvement projects’ around the borough.

The windfall is part of £148 million being allocated to transport projects and town centres across London, during the 2016/17 municipal year, by Transport for London (TfL) and London Mayor Boris Johnson.

The cash is intended to help council pay for local transport projects set out in their Local Implementation Plans (LIPs).

Mr Johnson, who is also MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, said: “This latest round of funding will help to transform scores of locations in all four corners of our great city.

“It is specifically targeted to help make our roads, town centres and open spaces more attractive places with better facilities for walking and safer cycling.”

As part of the funding Hillingdon will receive £60k for improvements around the Grand Union canal to create a ‘safe, quiet and natural walkway’.

Tav Kazmi, Canal & River Trust enterprise manager, said: “More and more people are using the canal, it’s a great place to visit, and we’re making improvements to local towpaths in line with the growing popularity.”

London’s Transport Commissioner, Mike Brown, added: “People in West London will see real improvements to their local areas as a result of this funding. Working with West London boroughs, hundreds of transport projects will be delivered that will benefit pedestrians and road users, through safer streets and improved public squares and shopping areas.

“These improvements will help transform communities and boost the local economy.”

Last year, the boroughs in West London used TfL funding to deliver a range of improvements for local communities, through safer junctions, reduced traffic speeds and better walking routes.

Significant projects in West London awarded funding last year included: £1.9 million towards the £7 million project to improve Hayes town centre, which included reopening Station road to through traffic and a new roundabout at Station Road and Botwell Lane.