Councils make £13 million funding bid for transport and environment improvements in south Leamington

A bid for £13 million funding has been submitted for transport and environmental improvements in the south of Leamington.

The money, bid for by Warwickshire County Council and Warwick District Council from the Goverment’s Levelling Up Fund would pay for a bus only route, a cycle route and ‘improved pedestrian environment’ in Bath Street and a new bus interchange on the car park in Bath Place.

The councils will be undertaking extensive engagement and consultation with residents and businesses to help design and refine the current draft proposals while The Government will assess the submitted bids over the coming months.

The leader of Warwick District Council, Councillor Andrew Day, said: “Taking the lead to directly support our transition to sustainable zero carbon travel, is pivotal to achieving the ambitious goals of our local climate change action programme.

"Investment in critical infrastructure is key to enable us all to make this step change, without a loss to the quality of our busy lives.

“This innovative outline scheme builds on the work just completed at Leamington Station.

"It aims to significantly reduce the impact of poor air quality in Leamington, whilst giving a timely boost to local businesses.

“Having the input of residents and businesses in the design and detail of the final plans will be vital in ensuring that a sustainable transport system is created for Old Town that works for everyone.

"I look forward to hearing the outcome of this bid and hopefully rolling-up my sleeves, working with the public, to get the very best for our beautiful town.”

Leamington & Warwick MP Matt Western added: “I’ve been arguing for many years for the need for an ambitious transport hub immediately adjacent to Leamington station.

"This would help tackle poor air quality and provide decent public bus and cycle infrastructure.

"That’s why I lent my support to our regional councils in a bid to secure funding from Government for a transport hub in the station area in south Leamington.

"But I do have some reservations about the detail of the scheme and want the public to be fully consulted before it is finalised."