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Transport

Transport connectivity is the glue that binds our communities and the economy together.

Our places are a key asset for our economy. Business and people locate and flourish in places that are well connected, offer a high quality of life and where people have the skills those businesses need.

Our transport strategy

Developing the economy by delivering houses, training and jobs, requires an integrated and resilient transport network (both physical infrastructure and services) that is fit for purpose. Our businesses require a transport network that:

  • Quickly and reliably connects to major employment centres & markets
  • Enables business to develop supply chains and customer base
  • Gives people access to wide range of jobs & training opportunities
  • Is resilient to disruption, providing choice and mode options

The Marches LEP produced a Rail Study in 2014 and developed a report on Investing in Strategic Transport Corridors in the Marches area in 2016. Along with the Growing Mid Wales Partnership, the Welsh Government, and Ceredigion, Gwynedd, Herefordshire, Powys, Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin Councils, the Marches LEP jointly commissioned the ‘Marches and Mid-Wales’ Freight Strategy. Its objective is to provide an evidence base to determine the interventions in the freight sector that will support the economic development and operational efficiency of businesses in the Marches and Mid Wales, while also seeking to enhance the quality of life of its residents and reduce environmental impacts from freight transport activity.

Key summary

The overall aim of the Marches and Mid Wales Freight Strategy is to ensure the efficient movement of freight in the Marches and Mid Wales while minimising impacts on the environment and residents.

The strategy should lead to a reduction in costs for the freight and logistics industry and its customers and at the same time reduce the negative impacts of freight movements on people who live and work in the Marches and Mid Wales.

Transparency

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The commissioning and development of this strategy has been managed by a steering group of officers from the commissioning organisations.

Growth Deal Infrastructure Projects

Major infrastructure projects funded via the LEP’s Growth Deal with Government are under way in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin. More information about these can be found here.

Transport Officers Group

The Marches LEP Board has a transport sub-group to advise on all transport matters to support the delivery of the LEP’s Strategic Economic Plan, ensuring that transport investment, including active modes, is closely aligned with the wider policy objectives of both the Local Transport Authorities and the LEP’s strategic priorities including economic growth, carbon reduction and social inclusion.

The Transport Officers Group (TOG) provides support and guidance to the LEP Board on the development of transport policies and programmes, and builds a strong evidence base for transport investment.

The TOG meets bi-monthly to discuss all matters relating to transport, in and affecting the Marches area; this can include ongoing or planned projects, responses to national and other consultations, and the work plan of the group. The TOG manages the development of strategies such as the Marches and Mid Wales Freight Strategy on behalf of the Board.

The current membership of the Transport Officers Group (TOG) is:

  • Dean Sargeant (Chair), Telford & Wrekin Council
  • Heather Bolton (Secretariat), Telford & Wrekin Council
  • Matt Powell, Telford & Wrekin Council
  • Victoria Hammond, Herefordshire Council
  • Matt Johnson, Shropshire Council
  • Andy Morton, Shropshire Council
  • Rachel Laver, Marches LEP
  • Ann Elias, Growing Mid Wales Partnership
  • James Healey, Welsh Government
  • Neil Hansen, Highways England
  • Louise Clare, Department for Transport
  • Sarah Spink, Midlands Connect
  • Lois Park, Transport for Wales
  • Nichole Sarra, Transport for Wales
  • Hayley Deighton, Environment Agency

Other Projects

The LEP supported Shropshire Council’s bid for government funding for the construction of the final part of the Shrewsbury bypass, known as the Shrewsbury North West Relief Road (SNWRR) and in March 2019 the Department for Transport awarded £54.4m towards its construction. Further information on the proposed scheme can be found here.

Midlands Connect

Midlands Connect is an ambitious initiative to identify and then realise the transport connectivity improvements needed to maximise the region’s long-term economic growth. Their “Our routes to growth report” sets out priority projects and vision for statutory Sub-national Transport Body status.

Related Downloads

The Marches Rail Study Final Report Download icon Marches and Mid Wales Freight Strategy Download icon Marches and Mid Wales Freight Strategy – Technical Annex Download icon Midlands Connect MRN Consultation Response Download icon Midlands Connect Strategy – March 2017 Download icon Midlands Connect Strategy Executive Summary – March 2017 Download icon Midlands Connect: Freight Strategy Overview Download icon Midlands Connect: Our Routes to Growth Download icon STB Joint Response to Major Road Network Consultation Download icon The Marches Strategic Transport Corridors Report Download icon
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The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership has now ceased trading and transferred all its functions to Shropshire Council working with Telford & Wrekin Council and Herefordshire Council, in line with the UK Government's plans for devolution.

The Marches LEP was established in 2011 and hands over an impressive legacy from its 13-year life. In that time the LEP invested over £196m in projects across the Marches, securing in excess of £100m of match funding and supported more than 66,000 business interactions.

The schemes supported have made tangible differences to local communities, increasing skills, creating jobs and improving the physical appearance of many towns.

We would like to thank all the LEP Board Members who have given their time freely over the life of the LEP, as well as all the staff who worked for the LEP over the years. We also want to thank our delivery partners, local education providers and local, regional and national stakeholders who helped us achieve so much.

The Marches Growth Hub will continue to support businesses and will be managed by Shropshire Council, supported by Telford and Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils. Each of the three Local Authorities will also continue to provide direct business support locally. Details of this support will be available through the Marches Growth Hub website and from the Local Authorities directly. Website: www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk | email: enquiries@marchesgrowthhub.co.uk.

The Marches Careers Hub will continue to be delivered and will be managed by Shropshire Council, supported by Telford & Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils. Website: www.marchescareershub.co.uk | email: info@marchescareershub.co.uk

For any queries about Getting Building Fund (GBF), Local Growth Fund (LGF) and Marches Investment Fund (MIF) projects supported by the Marches LEP please contact: gary.spence@shropshire.gov.uk

For any finance queries please contact: michelle.hodgkiss@shropshire.gov.uk

The solvent liquidation of the Marches LEP is being managed by the Evelyn Partners Limited. For any matter related to this please contact: Camilla.Mulholland@evelyn.com

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