Anne-Marie Trevelyan, MP for Berwick-upon-Tweed, has expressed her delight that Northumberland has been awarded a huge boost in funding from central government for the maintenance of rural roads.

Northumberland County Council has been awarded £5million from the Government’s Local Highways Maintenance Challenge Fund and was one of only 19 local authorities outside London who were successful in their bids.

Anne-Marie said: “I am delighted the Government is yet again continuing to invest in rural Northumberland. Larger highways maintenance projects can present more of a challenge in large rural areas such as ours, yet it is just as important, if not more so, as so many of us rely on our roads to get about. It is great that the challenges we face have been recognised by the Government in the award from the Challenge Fund, and I look forward to working with the new Council administration to ensure it is spent where it is most needed.”

The Challenge Fund enables local authorities to carry out works that might otherwise be unaffordable as part of routine highways budget spends. It was established as part of the Government’s recognition that such projects are vital for local families and businesses, and councils may need additional assistance in ensuring the works are carried out. Northumberland’s funding will go towards repairing and strengthening key roads.