North West given £9.3m transport investment boost

The investment forms part of a £2.3bn government injection to support local transport connections across the UK

Authorities in the North West are set to receive a £9.3m investment boost to help support transport routes in the area.

Lancashire Combined County Authority will get £7.6m while Cheshire West and Chester Authority will receive £1.7m under the Local Transport Grant - a pot of government funding given to areas outside the UK's major cities to be spent on transport.

The money could be used to buy zero emission buses, improve accessibility, reduce congestion or invest in cycle lanes.

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: "By putting resources directly into the hands of local leaders, we are ensuring every part of the country benefits from better transport links."

The investment for both authorities would be spread out on a yearly basis from 2026 to 2029, the Department for Transport said.

Lancashire Combined County Authority:

• 2026/27: £1,349,000

• 2027/28: £3,117,000

• 2028/29: £3,123,000

Cheshire West and Chester:

• 2026/27: £351,000

• 2027/28: £670,000

• 2028/29: £670,000

Director of transport and highways for Cheshire West and Chester Council Rose McArthur said: "This funding certainty and value will allow us to better deliver on our mission-led ambition to create brilliant transport services and opportunities for integrated travel for every person across our borough.

"We will be able to work with and support our rural communities to be better connected with appropriate options [and] further realise our local ambition for integrated public transport for all."