Government cash to boost construction projects

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Ian Dipple

09 November. Updated: 09 November 12:58

CLOSE to £4million is set to be pumped into Worcestershire's economy in a bid to boost local building projects.

The Government has allocated the money to Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (WLEP) from its Growing Places Fund which can be used to support new infrastructure or to open up new sites for development.

No decision has yet been made on how the money will be spent and the Worcestershire LEP - which consists of a number of companies and other organisations including Redditch Borough Council - will now draw up proposals to put to the Government before the £3.7million is officially handed over.

Tony Hyde, vice chairman of WLEP, said the announcement would provide a welcome boost to the local economy.

"This is excellent news for the county in these challenging economic times. Clearly this is early days in terms of detail, but in principle the allocation of funding to support the delivery of priority economic projects is very welcome," he said.

"The allocation for Worcestershire is relatively low – it is based on a formula of population and income levels – so it will require some clear prioritisation of projects delivering the greatest economic impact in the short term.

"We will be working together with our local authority partners to deliver the best impact for business and people in Worcestershire."

Coun Simon Geraghty, responsible for economy on Worcestershire County Council, added: "This additional investment in Worcestershire is to be welcomed and we will working closely with our LEP partners to ensure it is effectively targeted on the right projects."

Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP, of which Redditch is also a member, has also been awarded £14.9million from the fund.

Jerry Blackett, chief executive of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group, said the money was a welcome shot in the arm for the construction industry but urged the LEP to remain focused on the bigger picture of attracting major funding for key transport projects, create jobs and develop skills.