Yesterday the Government announced the first tranche of funding (£866 million) from the £5 billion Housing Infrastructure Fund. The Conservatives have placed housing at the forefront of their agenda, building thousands of new homes so that more people can realise their dream of homeownership. But we recognise that alongside housing comes a need to invest properly in local infrastructure, in roads and schools, medical services and utilities.
Thanks to a bid submitted by Conservative-controlled Cherwell District Council and supported by local MP Victoria Prentis, Howes Lane in Bicester will receive £6.7 million from the Housing Infrastructure Fund to ease pressure on the road and improve capacity and efficient movement on the local transport network.
The news has been welcomed by Bicester West Ward Councillor Jolanta Lis: “The allocation of funds from central government is very good news for Cherwell District Council, for Bicester town and especially for residents and businesses in West Bicester. Howes Lane, as the name suggests, is a small country lane with residential properties backing onto it. Over recent years it has carried an ever-increasing flow of traffic as a result of housing and commercial developments and the need for its realignment has been recognised and incorporated into plans for North West Bicester Eco Town. This funding is a very good starting point to move the project forward.”
Victoria Prentis MP added: “I am delighted that Cherwell’s bid has been successful. We all recognise that Bicester is a rapidly growing town. It is essential that we secure investment to improve the town’s infrastructure. This announcement is a start, but we still have lots of work to do on the roads in the town, particularly at the London Road crossing.”