Staffordshire has set out an ambitious plan for future economic growth alongside a major £138 million investment in roads and transport, in a move designed to strengthen the county’s appeal to businesses and investors.
A new economic strategy, approved by Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet, outlines five key priorities to drive prosperity, while a separate highways and transport programme aims to improve infrastructure, reduce disruption and support long-term growth.
The economic strategy sets out a vision for Staffordshire to build on its central location, strong sectors and ‘work-ready population’, with a focus on attracting investment, supporting enterprise and developing skills.
Its five priorities include promoting the county to investors, revitalising town centres and the visitor economy, unlocking growth along key transport corridors such as the A50 and A500, boosting skills and inclusive growth, and supporting innovation across both urban and rural areas.
Martin Murray, Staffordshire County Council’s acting leader and cabinet member for economy and skills, pictured above, said: “Staffordshire is alive with opportunity and ambition. As the beating heart of the country, our vision is to ensure our county becomes a vibrant, future-ready county that attracts investment, nurtures innovation and delivers inclusive growth for everyone who lives, works and visits here.
“This strategy provides a clear and flexible roadmap, shaped in partnership with businesses, our educational institutions and our communities. We’re committed to working with our partners to deliver on these priorities and are already making great progress.”
Supporting that vision is a £138 million Combined Highways and Transport Capital Programme, which brings together road maintenance and improvement schemes to create a more reliable and efficient transport network.
More than half of the funding – around £72 million – will be spent on maintaining roads, including preventative repairs, bridge strengthening, improved drainage and renewed road markings and safety measures. An additional £15 million has been allocated over the next two years to tackle a backlog of lower-level potholes.
Councillor Peter Mason, cabinet member for strategic highways, pictured above, said: “Our highways are Staffordshire’s most visible and valuable asset, and this programme represents a significant step forward in how we look after them.
“By prioritising preventative maintenance, strengthening structures and tackling long-standing backlogs, we’re moving away from short-term fixes and taking a more resilient, cost-effective approach.
“This investment will improve the condition of our roads, reduce disruption for road users and ensure the network remains safe and reliable for years to come.”
Further investment will focus on improving transport connections and supporting economic activity, with £5.3 million allocated to improve safety and journey times, £11.6 million for walking and cycling routes, and £10.6 million for bus infrastructure and fleet renewal. Around £40 million of additional transport infrastructure is expected to be funded by developers.
Councillor Andrew Mynors, cabinet member for connectivity, added: “A strong, well-connected transport network underpins a thriving county.
“This programme is about making it easier, safer and more reliable for people to get around Staffordshire every day. By investing in better bus services, improved walking and cycling routes, smarter traffic management and key transport infrastructure, we’re supporting greener journeys, stronger local economies and better connections between our communities.
“It’s a long-term, joined-up approach that puts everyday travel needs first and helps Staffordshire keep moving.”
So general road maintenance, bridge maintenance, repainting white lines etc, which any reasonable person would believe should be done on a regular and ongoing basis, has been dressed up as an ADDITIONAL NEW IMPROVED plan by the council. Sleight of hand practised by true politicians.