Huge funding injection will transform transport

The government announced in October last year that the county was due to receive a share of £36bn as part of Network North – funding previously earmarked for the HS2 high speed rail project.

Lancashire's transport planners have already been re-examining their ambitions, and the county's leaders will now be talking to MPs and partner councils about their priorities in order to put forward a clear and joined-up vision.

The council's partners in the devolution proposal which would create a new Combined County Authority for the region are also due to receive significant extra transport funding, adding up to £730m across the Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool area.

County Councillor Aidy Riggott, cabinet member for economic development and growth, said: "This massive increase in funding means we have the opportunity to deliver some hugely significant transport improvements on a scale that usually only comes about once in a generation.

"We have a really strong track record in Lancashire of delivering major transport improvements, and only last week we hosted Mark Harper, the Secretary of State for Transport, at County Hall to discuss our ambitions, and which this extra funding means we will now be able to deliver.

"We already have a clear idea of the projects we think can bring the biggest benefit to our economy, businesses and residents, and we'll now be talking to Lancashire's MPs about what they see as the key priorities for the communities they represent.

"Together we will work to produce a clear and joined-up vision for transforming transport in Lancashire, and I look forward to starting those conversations over the coming weeks as we await guidance on the type of schemes which will be eligible for support with this funding."