£5bn Government investment set to boost North Lincolnshire economy welcomed

A RAFT of Government funding for major investments designed to further kick-start economic growth across North Lincolnshire has been announced.

A £5m cash boost will be made available for much-needed upgrades to the A15 from Barnetby top to the Humber Bridge. Additional funding for education and healthcare has been announced, as well as at least £500,000 to begin the imminent  revitalisation of Scunthorpe through the Towns Deals project.

The announcement also covers further infrastructure investment to protect homes from flooding and broadband investment designed to secure gigabit accessibility for homes and businesses.

Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Rob Waltham, has welcomed the £5bn capital investment programme announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson – which also includes cash for John Leggott Sixth Form College, Huntcliff School, Hibaldstow Academy and the Axholme Academy.

Cllr Waltham said: “This Government cash will make a massive difference to how we re-emerge and renew as we move beyond the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It is a most welcome announcement of investment in our plans for growth across North Lincolnshire and recognises the planning and development which has taken place across the last few years to get us into a position to be ready to kick-start these projects.

“The Government asked for radical, bold and ambitious proposals and we had them ready.”

The £5bn is to invest in Britain’s infrastructure as part of a “New Deal for Britain” in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. The package of measures, including improving town centres, is designed to upgrade Britain’s infrastructure and skills to fuel economic recovery across the UK.

This builds on the £3.2bn provided exclusively to local authorities throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Businesses in the region have benefited from almost £40m in grants. Thousands of self-employed people have been supported to together with even more having benefited from the 80 per cent of wages being paid through the furlough scheme.

Almost £500m has been provided across Lincolnshire in business support grants, furlough and local authority funding.

North Lincolnshire Council has already launched a number of infrastructure projects – including the development of a new motorway junction on the M181, the re-development of a prime 2.5 acre development site in Scunthorpe town centre and an environmental enhancement along the Queensway.

Cllr Waltham added: “Through the Covid-19 pandemic we have reacted and responded to prioritise and protect vulnerable people. As we move forward to re-emerging and renewing, enabling economic growth is critical to the recovery.

“We have safely begun a number of projects which will have, alongside this new Government cash, a catalytic effect on economic growth, protecting and creating jobs too.

“Covid-19 safety measures will underline our efforts, protecting the public and staff alike. The experience will be different as we start with a measured, managed approach, interpreting and applying safety measures designed to stop Covid and help prevent local outbreaks.”