Cumberland Council have said that ‘every pound is welcome’ after it was announced that the government has set aside almost £150 million for travel infrastructure projects over the next seven years from 2025,

Nearly £1.5 billion of reallocated HS2 funding is to be invested directly into the North West through a Local Transport Fund to improve connections.

The investment comes alongside £8.3 billion pledged to resurface roads across the country, £1 billion to improve bus services in the North and Midlands, and £200 million to extend the £2 bus fare cap across England.

The government say the investment will result in better public transport, reduced congestion and upgraded bus and train stations but Labour have criticised the plans as a ‘renouncement’ of previous spending commitments.

The funds are to build new roads and improve junctions, install or expand mass transit systems, improve roads by filling potholes, improve journey times for car and bus users by tackling congestion, increase the number of EV chargepoints, refurbish bus and rail stations and improve streets so they are safer.

Last year the prime minister promised to ‘upgrade' the energy coast train line linking Carlisle, Workington and Barrow using redirected HS2 money after the Manchester to Birmingham leg was cancelled.

The upgrade would 'improve capacity and journey times' on the line, enabling trains every 30 minutes between Carlisle, Workington, and Whitehaven, according to the government.

Cumbria’s Conservating MPs have written to Cumberland Council urging them to use the funds to re-trunk the A689 whilst de-trunking the Warwick Bridge section of the A69, ‘immediately’ commence work on the delayed Grizebeck bypass and commence work on the Bothel strategic improvement project.

“We of course welcome the additional Government funding which has been reallocated following the scrapping of the HS2 high-speed rail line last year,” Cllr Denise Rollo, Cumberland Council executive member for sustainable, resilient and connected places said.

“Maintaining a safe and reliable road network in Cumberland is a key priority for us, and with 3400km of road to look after, every pound is welcome and will be put to good use to benefit road users across the whole of our area.

“The council will now work with local Leaders and communities through our Community Panels to develop detailed plans to ensure the funding is spent on local transport priorities to get the best outcomes for our residents across Cumberland.

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“We will also explore opportunities for more ambitious transport improvements over the next seven years which could include increasing the number of electric vehicle chargepoints, junction improvements, safer streets initiatives for children to walk to school and improved street lighting.”

Carlisle MP, John Stevenson said that the investment was a ‘further opportunity’ for growth in the area and that investment in the road system would bring ‘significant benefits’ to the city.