Two leading Warwickshire politicians have welcomed investment from Government for highways maintenance announced in George Osborne’s recent Autumn Statement.

The Chancellor used the statement to underline the role of transport investment at the heart of the coalition government’s plan to boost growth and drive the UK’s economic recovery. In doing so, he provided more than £1 billion of additional funding including two initiatives for local highways. One of which is a £215m maintenance package and the other is a £170m local ‘pinch point’ fund.

The funding provided can be used for improvements such as road resurfacing, maintenance or repairs to bridges, or to make repairs to transport infrastructure on the highway network damaged by recent weather events, such as the flooding. Warwickshire has been allocated £2.8m.

Commenting on the announcement, Nuneaton MP Marcus Jones said: “This investment shows again that the Government is serious about helping communities to deliver real improvements. I know that the condition of local roads is a big concern for many people and I’m pleased that the Chancellor has recognised this, as well the wider role that transport investment has in encouraging growth in the economy.

“There is still a great deal of work to do, such as improving the A5 Woodford Lane junction, and I will be continuing to lobby for further investment for Nuneaton and Warwickshire.”

Adding, the Leader of Warwickshire County Council, Cllr Alan Farnell, said: “I welcome that the Government is providing financial support for the County’s highways infrastructure. This funding will be of significant help to ensure that we as a Conservative controlled Council continue to provide quality frontline services, including the effective maintenance of local roads.”