Today (Monday 26 February) Government Minister Paul Maynard MP visited Worcester and met with Conservative Parliamentary Candidate Marc Bayliss to celebrate the announcement of over £209 million in new funding for transport schemes in Worcestershire over the next seven years.
While in the City Marc and Paul visited Shrub Hill Station to see how some of the new money could be spent improving facilities including disabled access to platforms, much-needed upgrades to signals and, potentially, creating a brand new entrance for the Brunel-designed station.
The new money is part of £4.7bn released following the government’s decision to not progress with HS2 past Birmingham. The government had always committed to reusing the money for transport improvements and today’s announcement makes that a reality and hands more power and responsibility to the County Council to identify those transport improvements that will make the most difference. In addition to potentially funding improvements at Shrub Hill, the money can be spent improving bus services, fixing roads and pavements as well as upgrading facilities for walking and cycling.
Marc is currently Cabinet Member for Economy & Infrastructure on the County Council and will be playing a key part in overseeing the plans for how the money will be spent.
Commenting on the announcement Paul Maynard said:
“This new money for Worcestershire provides a great opportunity to make a significant improvement to transport options across the County. I am delighted to be able to visit Worcester and see for myself the difference to people’s lives it will make.”
Marc Bayliss said:
“I want to thank Paul and the Government for this announcement. Improving transport and cutting congestion is one of the key themes of my plan for Worcester and this new money will enable us to take a big step forward.”
