Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council has been awarded an additional £604,000 in funding by the Government to maintain its roads, cycleways and footpaths.
The money, provided by the Department for Transport (DfT), is intended to help facilitate resurfacing works, preserve structures such as bridges and maintain street lighting and other crucial highway assets.
Councillor Andy Hadley, Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy at BCP Council, said:
“Whilst this does not give us strategic investment to improve our network, news of this additional funding allocation is helpful for our area and will support us in making further improvements to our highways that will directly benefit all road users.”
“We have completed several significant infrastructure projects in recent years, but, given the financial challenges the council faces as well as rising material costs, this additional allocation is welcomed.”
“Improvements to our our roads will help to smooth journey times, decrease carbon emissions and improve air quality. Ensuring footpaths and cycleways remain in good condition is important for public wellbeing.”
The same additional sum of £604,000 will be allocated to BCP Council again for the 2024/25 financial year from the DfT.
Julian McLaughlin, Director of Infrastructure at BCP Council, added:
“We receive a lot of feedback from residents concerning the condition of our roads, so the announcement of this additional funding is hugely positive and will help accelerate our planned maintenance works across the region.”
“Road defects can cause damage to vehicles, so directing this funding at improving the conditions of our roads and highways will help save residents the inconvenience and financial burden of costly repairs.”