WARRINGTON South MP Andy Carter shares his views in this week’s column.
Being at the official launch of Warrington’s brand new zero emission electric bus fleet last week, we saw a glimpse of a much improved public transport network serving everyone in Warrington from this summer.
It’s the culmination of four years of hard work and one of the largest bus investments in the North of England, a £21.5 million pot of funding received from the Conservative Government alongside the new depot made possible with additional Government money as part of the Town Deal Fund.
Add to that a further £20 million from Government to fund increased services at weekends and into the evening as well as the introduction of new routes and a cap on fares of £2 for adult fares and £1 for children and young people.
The rollout of our new bus fleet represents yet another milestone in the transport investment being put into both our area and across the North of England. Anyone who drives or uses public transport in the town recognises the challenges that we face on our roads, whether that’s as a result of delays caused by the Ship Canal swing bridges, potholes or traffic jams.
Our geography is a key factor on why we are so heavily reliant on our transport network.
Sitting halfway between Manchester and Liverpool means many people commute to work in those areas daily by rail or by road, and also explains why it’s the logistics sector that is one of the largest employers in Warrington.
The decision to cancel the remaining stages of HS2 has had a major impact on Government thinking around the type of investment Warrington needs to upgrade our transport infrastructure to make it fit for the future. The Department for Transport have made clear that every single penny earmarked for HS2 in the North and midlands will be put into other projects in the North and the Midlands, as part of Network North.
We’ve already had confirmation of £120 million allocation for transport infrastructure for the next few years in Warrington, which gives the Highways Authority the chance to deal with junction improvements and wider road network. There’s also a commitment of £33 million to Warrington Borough Council to spend on pothole repairs and improvements to pavements.
In the coming weeks we could have confirmation that Warrington will be included on the high-speed East-West train line between Liverpool and Manchester via Manchester Airport. It would mean a new low level station at Bank Quay which would link Northern Powerhouse Rail to the West Coast Mainline. That station would be a catalyst for further private sector funding to regenerate the area around Warrington Bank Quay, creating jobs and opportunity for people locally.
My plan to improve public transport, better buses, integrated rail services and faster connections is progressing, and there’s still more to do.