§ Mr. Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what sums were contributed from Government funds through(a) the Highway Authority, (b) English Heritage and (c) others towards the traffic calming measures undertaken in Colchester High Street; and what proportion of these represent the total cost of the measures. [24488]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonWe have awarded Essex County Council £1.2 million towards the Colchester local transport package in each of the last two years, with a further allocation of £600,000 in the 1998–99 local transport settlement announced in December last year. Resources allocated to packages for minor works are not targeted on specific projects. It is therefore for the County Council to determine the most appropriate use for their allocations within the package area. I understand from the County Council that in 1996–97 some £302,000 of the package allocation was spent on the High Street scheme. In addition, the County and Borough Councils provided £390,000 while English Heritage contributed £100,000. In 1997–98, £150,000 of the allocation is being spent on High Street works, with the Councils contributing £418,000. The total costs of the High Street works are estimated at £2.4 million.