£3m investment despite concerns

TRANSPORT CORRIDOR WILL SEE MORE PROVISION FOR CYCLISTS

- By DANIEL HODGSON

TRANSPORT corridor improvements will see £3m spent in spite of consultation concerns raised by a local councillor.

Middlesbrough Council's Executive approved the Newport Road transport corridor improvements plan last week as the meeting saw concerns raised about the cost as well as the consultation process. Labour Councillor Jill Ewan, of Newport ward, shared her fears at the Executive meeting, comparing the situation to that of the Linthorpe Road cycle lane.

Councillors as well as an officer were keen to point out the differences between the transport corridor improvements and the disliked Linthorpe Road cycle lane, with the latter being set for removal this year, three years after its installation. The Newport Road scheme will see greater cycle provision but extends beyond simply being a cycle lane.

Executive member for environment and sustainability Councillor Peter Gavigan presented the report to Executive on June 11, explaining that the scheme would be funded by Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA), "as part of a wider, regional delivery of sustainable transport", adding that there had been consultation with both councillors and the public, with amendments made to the scheme to "reflect public concerns, particularly from businesses regarding access to their businesses".