Good transport links are essential to any new housing development, and this funding will unlock the potential in several regions for delivering the new homes that will help to ease long-term housing need from first time buyers and families on waiting lists.

The 29 projects, paid for from the Community Infrastructure Fund, will deliver a range of new vital transport projects across the regions such as rapid bus routes, pedestrian and cycle bridges, and improvements to road junctions. They will also protect and create 2,200 jobs and directly support 40,000 new homes to be built over the next decade, which in turn will further support employment, as part of the Government's fiscal stimulus to support the economy in the current climate.

Margaret Beckett said:
"This funding will help to deliver new homes that we desperately need to meet long term demand from first time buyers and families on waiting lists. We know that good transport links are vital to successful communities and these projects will unlock the potential for new housing where it is needed. By investing today in tomorrow's infrastructure we are helping to ensure the foundations are in place to support economic recovery, while also creating and safeguarding jobs right now."

Paul Clark said:
"I am delighted by the quality and range of schemes that we are funding. Around 60 per cent of the schemes that we are supporting include sustainable transport initiatives - reflecting a real commitment to supporting housing growth through sustainable means.

"Transport is essential to supporting housing growth and the Community Infrastructure Fund is real evidence of the significant focus that Government places on this critical policy."