Roads and bridges in Powys are set to benefit from almost £18 million in UK Government levelling up funding.
The latest round of funding focusses on transport investment across the county including refurbishments to bridges as well as a large-scale highway resurfacing programme.
The £17.7 million will be used towards projects such as the footbridges in Berriew, Caersws, Garthmyl and Llangadfan, resurfacing at locations across the county, especially tourist hotspots such as Lake Vyrnwy and Llanrhaeadr.
The announcement builds on the £16 million award received in the first round of the Levelling Up Fund for the restoration of the Montgomery Canal.
Montgomeryshire MP Craig Williams said the successful bid will be "hugely important" to supporting north Powys' economy, growth and tourism.
Great news from #UKGovt - Powys is getting £17,714,498 from the #LevellingUpFund. This is on top of the £16 million already received to restore the Montgomery Canal.
— Craig Williams (@craig4monty) November 20, 2023
This is for key infrastructure improvements across the county. Support for Montgomeryshire’s economy and tourism pic.twitter.com/C3M88X6ZYY
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“This is another huge investment from UK Conservative Government into Montgomeryshire,” he said. “Working together we have again been successful in securing Levelling Up Fund investment to the tune of 17 million pounds.
“This will go towards key local infrastructure improvements right across the county. This will be hugely important in supporting Montgomeryshire’s economy, growth and tourism. I will be working alongside Russell George MS to ensure deliverability and value for money.”
Brecon and Radnorshire MP Fay Jones also welcomed the funding which will be used to promote recreational tourism across Powys through investing in transport links.
Fay said: “Really pleased that such a significant amount has been provisionally awarded to Powys County Council from the third round of UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund. This award, applied for by the previous Conservative/Independent administration of Powys County Council, is set to be targeted at tourism-related transport infrastructure.
"This funding will make a huge difference in improving existing routes, as well as developing connectivity between key towns and tourist destinations, directly benefiting tourists and residents alike as well as driving local growth and jobs.”
Senedd member for Montgomeryshire Russell George added: “Historically Montgomeryshire and Powys missed out on huge investments like today’s announcement by the UK Government of a further £17 million from the Levelling Up Fund.
“Working alongside Craig Williams MP, I am delighted that tens of millions of pounds of investment into our area over the last three years has been secured.
“This money will provide much needed investment to enable significant projects to move forward, which will strengthen our tourism offer, and make Mid Wales an attractive place to visit.”
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