£200m boost puts borough back on the right road
Local roads look set to see major improvements following a £198 million investment package just announced by Transport Minister Rosie Winterton. Hounslow is the only council in the region (and one of just three nationwide) that will benefit from a £1.19bn Private Finance Initiative (PFI) programme to improve our streets.
As a result, the borough will benefit from an additional £17.5 million a year that will be invest in upgrading and maintaining roads, footpaths, lighting, verges and street trees.
The leader of the council, Cllr Peter Thompson, welcomed the funding saying, “This is fantastic news for local people. We made a clear commitment to seek more investment for local road repairs and I am delighted to say that the council has delivered on that promise.”
Cllr Barbara Reid, the council’s lead member for environment and planning, said, “This long-term investment in the borough’s roads is a major boost for Hounslow. Once the work begins, everyone can look forward to seeing a big improvement in their local streets.”
She continued “This isn’t just about tackling some long overdue road repairs, it’s also about making our streets safer and greener. With this level of local investment Hounslow could become home to some of the best roads in the region.”
According to the Department of Transport, communities with better roads attract significant new investment, so the scheme could help boost the local economy.
The improvements are also expected to lead to safer and quicker journeys for local people and deliver a marked improvement in the whole street environment.
But opposition Labour councillors are sceptical about whether the Conservative led Council can pull it off. Cllr Ruth Cadbury said, “This is great news for everyone whose car has been damaged recently by the monster potholes on many local roads and I am particularly pleased that street lighting could improve too – that would make it a lot safer for drivers and pedestrians alike.”
She called for the council to begin a consultation with residents to highlight where the worst roads are and where street lighting is poor. “The Council needs to get their act together and talk to local residents otherwise this huge boost in funding will be wasted.”
However, Labour MP Ann Keen was more supportive stating, “This is a splendid example of how the Government is helping to maintain and improve Hounslow. This money will help make our streets feel safer with improved street lighting, make it easier for us to travel to the shops, to work and to our schools. We look forward to seeing the money being used effectively by the Local Authority so all the residents will feel the benefits as soon as possible.”
March 28, 2008
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