Councils welcome £218m investment into Oxfordshire
Suzanne Lovell
Councils in southern Oxfordshire have been quick to voice approval of the announcement of £218 million for infrastructure improvements.
Chancellor, Philip Hammond announced the award of cash from the Housing Infrastructure Funding (HIF) for Didcot Garden Town and further projects, in his Spring Statement.
The other schemes include:
* A4130 widening from A34 Milton Interchange towards Didcot
* The new Science Bridge over the A4130, Great Western Railway Line and Milton Road into the former Didcot A Power Station site
* A new Culham to Didcot river crossing between the A415 and A4130
* A Clifton Hampden bypass
The package of measures across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse districts is linked with the Housing and Growth Deal which will help deliver 100,000 new homes in Oxfordshire by 2031.
Ian Hudspeth, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This is excellent news and shows the government recognises the importance of this area locally and nationally and the strength of our proposals to enable and sustain expected growth. It’s a much-needed boost and part of our wider plans for Oxfordshire so that communities, residents and businesses can thrive."
Cllr Jane Murphy, leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “This is a significant moment for everybody living and working in Didcot and surrounding villages. I’m delighted that we’ve been a part of this successful bid to bring much-needed infrastructure to our district – this award demonstrates that by working closely with government, delivering on growth, and building positive working relationships with other councils, we can deliver much needed improvements for our residents.”
Cllr Roger Cox, leader of Vale of White Horse District council, said: “This is great news for the local economy – by working together with our colleagues in the councils across Oxfordshire, we have helped to secure the infrastructure investment we needed to ensure that the Science Vale area continues to thrive, offering lots of high quality jobs and career opportunities for our residents.”
All the schemes will need to go through the planning system.
* Image shows Didcot Google aerial shot
Source: Thames Valley Property No 155 (tvproperty.co.uk).
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