TWO PROJECTS to help improve the environment in Bromsgrove district have been awarded £820,000.
The Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership was awarded £12million in total for12 schemes in the county through the Government’s ‘Getting Building Fund’.
The scheme is aimed at helping support jobs, skills and infrastructure as part of the Covid-19 recovery.
Bromsgrove’s slice will pay for the building of 61 low carbon homes and improvements to the busy A456 in Hagley.
Bromsgrove District Council leader Coun Karen May described both projects as ‘exciting’, saying it showed the authority was making great strides after declaring a climate emergency last year.
“I have been pushing extensively for improvements on the busy A456 and these will dramatically improve the air quality issues in this area.
“The funding for 61 low carbon houses in Bromsgrove is also terrific as this council remains committed to the national climate change agenda and our pledge for a carbon neutral District by 2050.”
Coun Steve Colella, who represents Hagley, said: “Any money we can get to improve the A456 and in turn the A491 is welcome.
“I and a lot of other Hagley residents have been campaigning for years on this issue.
“The A456 is one of the busiest A-roads in the county and there needs to be a long-term, sustainable solution.
“We need to make sure now the money is used in the best way to do that.”
Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid added: “This additional investment is great news and will help improve local infrastructure, drive local growth and support jobs.
“This has been a challenging period, but through backing local businesses and workers, this investment will help to secure the strongest possible recovery”
Gary Woodman, Chief Executive of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said he was very excited about the £12million for projects which would stimulate growth and get the local economy back on track.
“Worcestershire is a key economy within the Midlands and this support from Government further emphasises that.
“We are looking forward to working with our partners across the county on these projects as we continue Worcestershire’s development towards our vision of a connected, creative, dynamic economy for all.”
Housing Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: “This Government is determined to level up all parts of the country and this funding will not only give a much needed boost to our economic recovery, it will help build the good quality, affordable homes the country needs.”
Visit wlep.co.uk for more information.
