Chancellor announces £1.6bn boost for transport

CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves promised 'the largest ever investment in Merseyside railway stations' as she announced funding for transport projects across England.

- BY DAN HAYGARTH

Ms Reeves delivered a speech in Rochdale, in which she said the Labour government would invest £15.6bn in public transport projects, largely across the Midlands and North of England.

Within this, the Liverpool City Region's five-year-settlement allocation, from 2027/28 to 2031/32, will represent a total of £1.6bn.

The Chancellor said this will include 'the largest ever investment' in our region's stations as she cited the construction of three new Merseyrail stops - a key part of Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram's successful 2024 re-election manifesto.

Ms Reeves said: "Investment in the Liverpool City Region, backing the mayor Steve Rotheram to deliver three new rapid bus routes, linking up the city centre, John Lennon Airport, Anfield, the new Everton stadium on Bramley-Moore Dock and new homes built on the Central Docks redevelopment alongside the largest ever investment in Merseyside railway stations to serve Halton (Cheshire), St Helens and Woodchurch."

The stations will be Woodchurch in Wirral, Carr Mill in St Helens and Daresbury in Halton.