£300 million for northern high-speed links

CHANCELLOR PHILIP Hammond has announced extra funding for transport improvements in the North of England, including £300 million towards links between HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail and Midlands Connect services. It is understood the funds will be put towards seven junctions linking to HS2, with the Treasury saying future-proofing will make it easier and less disruptive to build Northern Powerhouse Rail, the planned east-west link centred on Leeds to Manchester. Faster links between cities in the north and towards the East Midlands and London are promised, while the funding will also enable services between Liverpool and Leeds to pass via Manchester Piccadilly station. The package was announced alongside more than £100 million of investment in local road schemes across the region.