Joint working by officers on behalf of Conservative-led Taunton Deane Borough Council and Conservative-controlled West Somerset Councils, alongside colleagues from Somerset County Council, has today seen the announcement of significant local investment in both districts by the Government.
Transport Minister Baroness Kramer has confirmed investment to improve the condition of the C182 - the main road to the Hinkley Point site, money to create a cycle route between Bridgwater and the Hinkley Point C site and early payments in favour of the Taunton Station project. Details announced sees:
- £1.6 million for roads maintenance for the C182 to be improved in advance, reducing disruption and avoiding costs to the taxpayer for preventative work further down the line.
- £295,000 for a cycle route linking Bridgwater to Hinkley Point. This would see improved cycle facilities from Bridgwater to the site. Scheduled to begin in 2014/15, it would include a cycle route separated from the road.
- £150,000 for a scheme linking Taunton’s new DfT-funded inner distributor road to the rail station. This would improve connections between the railway and power station, helping the workforce that is expected to travel by rail. The Taunton Northern Inner Distributor Road is due to be completed in 2015.
The investment in Taunton follows the award of £4.6m which funds the early phases of a multi-million pound redevelopment scheme at the station being developed by Taunton Deane Borough Council, Somerset County Council, Network Rail and First Great Western. This vital funding will kick start a £22 million development programme of the station and surrounds which in turn is estimated to attract investment of up to £74 million on the sites around.
Cllr Tim Taylor, Leader of West Somerset Council said: “This is further fantastic news and shows what our new officer team working for both West Somerset and Taunton Deane Borough Councils can deliver for both districts.
“I am very pleased that the C182 will be repaired in advance of the significant work commencing saving time and money in the long term and the provision of a cycle route away from the main transport corridor will I am sure be welcomed by local people.”
Cllr John Williams, Leader of Taunton Deane Borough Council, has been lobbying hard for improvements for Taunton Station and said: “I am delighted our joint officer team has been able to secure this important funding. This demonstrates the significance of Taunton station being at the heart of the West Country and the nearest main line station acting as an important gateway for Hinkley Point C and the rest of the county