£294m boost for growth in Lancashire

New investment to improve infrastructure and drive economic growth in the county.

Lancashire County Council has agreed to invest £294m to improve transport and boost the local economy.

At a recent Full Council meeting, the capital programme for the next four years was agreed, alongside an unprecedented three-year budget plan.

Including funding previously agreed, it means the council will invest more than £500m in the county over the next four years.

Finance rules means this money is reserved for investment in the county’s infrastructure and cannot be used to offset the savings needed elsewhere.

County Councillor Geoff Driver, leader of the county council, said: “This substantial investment, at a time when we face a very challenging financial situation, shows our determination to ensure that Lancashire has the right infrastructure to encourage the economic growth the county needs.

“From ensuring our existing roads are in good repair, to pushing forward with major new road schemes and economic development initiatives, we aim to create the conditions for businesses to bring jobs and prosperity across the county.”

New investment over the next four years will include:

• £81m to maintain roads, lighting and bridges, which means the council can tackle potholes and other problems caused by recent severe weather.
• £10.7m to improve road safety, including the establishment of 20mph areas in residential areas.
• Major transport schemes, such as £11.4m for the revised Heysham-M6 Link plan and £6.8m for the Blackpool to Fleetwood tramway (artist’s impression above).

The next phase of planning will also begin for the proposed Broughton Bypass.

In addition, more than £123m will be invested in improving school buildings and providing additional pupil places across Lancashire over the next four years.

Major projects in the pipeline include an £18.5m project to transform primary education in Fleetwood and brand new primary schools, subject to planning permission, in Whitefield and Laneshawbridge.

Work is also underway on a replacement primary school building in Waterfoot, a major refurbishment of Morecambe Bay Primary School, new science blocks at Southlands High School in Chorley and Lytham St Anne’s High School and a new sports hall for Carnforth High School.