Farnham Road to receive £9.2million Levelling Up investment

More than £9million in Government funding is set to be invested in Slough’s Farnham Road as part of the Levelling Up fund.

The grant was announced on Wednesday and will see £9,292,149 invested into Farnham Road (A355) to better serve pedestrians, cyclists and drivers with faster access for buses to improve journey times.

£4.8billion has been invested in the latest round of funding, with communities across the South East set to receive £210.4million in total.

According to levellingup.campaign.gov.uk, the proposed scheme will improve bus priority through signal upgrades and the enforcement of parking restrictions.

In its current state, the ‘important economic and transport function’ for Britwell & Northborough and Farnham is insufficient, meaning the wards ‘experience unacceptable levels of deprivation and are disconnected from Slough’s buoyant £8billion economy’.

It is hoped that by improving the balance between pedestrians, cyclists and motor vehicles, residents will be able to make ‘more sustainable and affordable travel choices and create a distinct welcoming place for all’.

Alison Webster, CEO of Berkshire LEP said: “Local Authorities across Berkshire bid for more than £50million from the government’s Levelling Up Fund last year and we’re absolutely thrilled that Reading Borough Council and Slough Borough Council have collectively been awarded £28.3m to deliver a range of exciting projects.

“Despite Berkshire’s economic success, the area also experiences high levels of inequality, unemployment and deprivation, which highlights the need for ‘levelling up’ at a local level.

“These successful projects, the cultural regeneration of the Hexagon and a new library in central Reading and much needed local transport improvements to transform Farnham Road in Slough, will significantly improve the quality of life for many Berkshire residents, workers and visitors.

“With the confirmation of a third Levelling Up Fund, we will continue to work collaboratively with our partners in all Berkshire Local Authorities to deliver strong and vibrant town centres for the people and businesses of Berkshire.

“These are exciting times for the area.”

A Slough Borough Council spokesperson said: “We are pleased to have secured funding for the Farnham Road project and will review the delivery plan with our commissioners.”