Minister visits Warrington following huge funding announcement

Millions of people in the north west are set to benefit from better public transport, reduced congestion and upgraded bus and train stations as the Government continues to reallocate funding from HS2 to ‘revolutionise transport, drive economic growth and transform communities’.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and transport secretary Mark Harper have confirmed that the north west will receive a £1.48 billion boost from April 2025 through the Local Transport Fund to improve the transport connections that so many people rely on every day across smaller cities, towns, and rural areas.

The new investment, announced as part of Network North, will deliver an ‘unprecedented’ long-term funding uplift across the region over seven years – with £121,251,000 announced for Warrington.

Jo Churchill, minister for employment, visited the new bus depot, on Dallam Lane, today, along with Warrington South MP Andy Carter.

She said: “I actually think Warrington and your local MP Andy Carter has really begun to really punch home that it is that logistics hub of the north and actually the clues in the title, it can’t just be one mode of transport, it’s about delivering on all fronts.

“We’ve been investing for some time, I mean look at the health and social care academy at Warrington & Vale, really beginning to deliver for the people and the skills and where you’ve got those skills gaps.

“We’re working with DWP and Abacus, the training provider, to make sure that we can home grow bus drivers, mechanics and everything else – that’s got to be the right way to not only deliver the funding, but deliver that longevity for skills, for the whole agenda.”

Warrington South MP Andy Carter has also shared his views.

He said: “This is really excellent news and shows this Government’s commitment to levelling up in the north.

“Transport infrastructure is holding us back, getting from one side of Warrington to the other takes too long and in simple economic terms, it impacts productivity and increases costs for business.

“We all know there are too many traffic jams across Warrington and there are roads where junctions need to be improved.

“This additional funding of around £120 million will mean we can tackle some of the capacity issues, like dealing with the Gainsborough Road/Chester Road junction and making changes to the Cockhedge Roundabout which could to be re-engineered to reduce delays or looking at how we can secure further crossings over the Manchester Ship Canal.

“This funding, which is being re-allocated from HS2 and is in addition to £42 million we’ve already received from Government to improve our local bus network, which includes money for 105 brand new zero emission buses plus a commitment to £2 capped fares for adults and £1 for children.

“It’s also in addition to the additional £33 million provided to Warrington Borough Council to fix the potholes and re-surface roads."

Warrington Borough Council leader and cabinet member for transport, Cllr Hans Mundry, says ‘this commitment from the Government is welcome news’ for Warrington.

He added: “The funding will enable us to deliver a range of key transport projects in the coming years to improve connectivity and keep our town moving.

“The resources will only be available from April 2025 and we hope that after the General Election, regardless of the outcome, this commitment will remain.

“We’re fully committed to supporting residents and businesses with the right transport infrastructure, which aligns with Warrington’s ongoing growth. Much has been achieved in recent years, but this funding will enable us to further enhance our network, improve walking and cycling facilities and drive up the quality of public transport.

“This, is turn, will support our work to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, achieve healthier and more vibrant communities, and ensure our roads are safer and more accessible for all.”