Millions of pounds in funding, made possible because of plans for devolution in the East Midlands, has been agreed and will be spent on improving transport, housing and the skills of local people in the region.

This includes £750,000 for a new cycling and walking route in Derbyshire – a 1¼ mile link connecting Markham Vale to the existing cycle route in Staveley. There’s also £1.5m for the new roundabout on the A6 at Fairfield in Buxton, Derbyshire, that has provided access to sites for 461 new homes, including 30% affordable homes.

In total, £18m of funding is being offered to Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Nottingham as part of early investment to the area during devolution negotiations and is not dependent on devolution proposals going ahead.

Derbyshire County Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council and Nottingham City Council have been working with the Government on devolution plans including a package of local powers and funding worth £1.14 billion, from 2024.

(Picture – Derbyshire Council)