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Millions given to NE transport and homes

At least £6.6m will be given to transport projects which support extra homes being built in the North East.

The Government cash is earmarked for transport links which support building extra homes for families and first-time buyers as well as those on waiting lists.

Housing minister John Healey and transport minister Sadiq Khan announced the £30m national scheme, which will help a number of projects in the North East.

The Network Management Strategy in the Tees Valley will receive £3.9m, while the Newcastle Quaylink Road between Newcastle and Gateshead has been given £930,000.

Meanwhile the A19 in South and East Durham will get around £1.8m.

Housing minister John Healey said: “We need to ensure that people and families living in new homes have the transport links they need, whether this is a new road, new bus links or cycle paths.

“This £30m boost for councils places them at the centre of supporting homes, jobs and growth, which is good news for the local area.

“We are working closely with councils, The Homes and Communities Agency and the Department for Transport to ensure these projects are delivered in time. This work will also create construction jobs, help build new homes we need and make sure we have the transport in place to support development.”

Transport minister Sadiq Khan said: “Good transport links are a vital to the success of new housing developments, but is much more than simply getting people from A to B. We need to provide a range of options including provision for cycling, walking and public transport, if communities are truly to grow and thrive.

“I am therefore delighted that a significant proportion of this funding will go towards sustainable transport schemes that not only offer a genuine choice but also make low carbon travel a viable and attractive option.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .