Residents and businesses are being asked for their views in order to help inform plans to improve transport links from Swindon to the South Midlands and East of England.
England’s Economic Heartland (EEH), which is a partnership between several local authorities including Swindon Borough Council, is asking people to have their say on its Outline Transport Strategy which will set out the region’s infrastructure needs to both government and the private sector.
Working with EEH, the Council is raising Swindon’s transport issues in order to make the case for securing additional funding that will benefit the borough.
The Council will also be able to make the case for the westward extension of the East West Rail services towards Swindon and Bristol, influence decisions regarding the Oxford to Cambridge expressway, while also promoting the case for further investment in the A420 corridor.
People have until October 31 to comment on the Outline Transport Strategy.
Councillor David Renard, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “We recognise there are huge economic opportunities along the Oxfordshire to Cambridgeshire growth corridor, which is why the Council joined the EEH group.
“Ensuring we have better connectivity to Oxford and beyond is a key priority and we will be using our position within EEH to push for more funding and investment to improve the A420 and direct rail links between Swindon and Oxford.
“It is therefore important that local people here contribute to this transport strategy so that Swindon’s transport needs are represented in future plans.”
England’s Economic Heartland is a voluntary partnership of councils and local enterprise partnerships which represent the key growth corridor from Oxfordshire through Milton Keynes and across to Cambridgeshire.
EEH provides leadership in the long term planning of strategic infrastructure, in order to realise the region’s economic potential in a way which improves accessibility and inclusivity, quality of life and the environment.
Mayor Dave Hodgson, chair of EEH’s Strategic Transport Forum – which includes elected leaders and cabinet members from authorities across the region – said: “I’d encourage anyone with an interest in the region’s future to have their say and help shape the detail of our future transport system.”
People can find out more information about the EEH Outline Transport Strategy and have their say by visiting: www.englandseconomicheartland.com