PROPOSALS for a near £2m investment in a town’s transport links will be decided on at a meeting this week (Thursday, May 8).

A combination of Government grants and Middlesbrough Council’s own capital funding will be used to improve the condition of the worst roads, footpath and verges in the town and to improve road safety.

Councillor Nicky Walker, Executive Member for Environment at Middlesbrough Council, is expected to approve plans for various road improvement schemes in the town.

Two priority schemes highlighted in the report, to be outlined at the meeting at Middlesbrough Town Hall, are a toucan crossing on the B1365 Hemlington Lane, from Hemlington to Kings Academy, and a zebra crossing on Newham Way, south of Dalby Way in Coulby Newham.

A total of almost £2m will be spent improving transport infrastructure across the town.

Coun Walker said: “It really is good news that in these hard economic times, some external funding is available for one off expenditure to spend on road safety measures and to treat some our worst roads and footpaths.

“I’m delighted to be in a position to approve the two crossings from Hemlington to Kings Academy and at Newham Way which will serve pedestrians crossing very busy main roads to get to schools and the Parkway Centre and will be installed following positive cases being made by the ward councillors concerned.

“Although the backlog for road investment is estimated at £15m, we need to use what resources we can obtain to treat those areas that are experiencing the worst condition.”