More than £7.2 million has been awarded to the London Borough of Ealing to deliver a number of extensive active travel improvements in the Northolt area.

The Visions for Northolt project was successful in its levelling-up funding bid, with the money going towards transport infrastructure, including improvements to the A312 and Kensington Road corridors.

Winners from the first wave of the £4.8 billion government Levelling Up Fund were announced last week across the UK.

Northolt was one of six projects in London that won their bid, which included transforming Whitechapel Road and a new bridge over the River Lea in Newham.

The funding in Northolt will be used to improve the A312 and Kensington Road corridors for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, creating better connections to local and wider services and jobs, congestion easing measures, improvements to road safety and addressing air quality.

Councillor Deirdre Costigan, deputy leader and cabinet member for climate action said: "Make no mistake, this is a huge, huge win for Northolt and just what the area needs to support our drive for active travel across the borough.

"Northolt is a great place but it could be so much better, and this money will make a real difference.

"This funding announcement is the first step in an exciting journey for the future of Northolt."

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Northolt is within the top 20% of most deprived areas in England and the funding also aims to support the post-pandemic recovery of the local economy.

Councillor Peter Mason, leader of Ealing Council said: "This is excellent news for Ealing and a massive boost to Northolt.

"This is big money for the cycling infrastructure in the area and is testament to the work that continues to ensure that funding such as this is being directed to our most disadvantaged communities."

Many Northolt residents suffered job losses at Heathrow or worked in businesses that supported the aviation industry.

The council said they are working with the local community to ensure investment is directed towards Northolt and that local people's priorities, aspirations and needs are the starting point for this investment.

Continued consultation with residents on the levelling up funding will be carried out over the coming months.

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