Local MP Jesse Norman has expressed his delight at news of three new funding wins for Herefordshire.

These include £1.25 million for potholes, the news that Herefordshire projects have been successfully shortlisted for Forward Fund co-development as part of the Housing Infrastructure Fund, potentially worth £95 million, and a pathfinder Litter Innovation Grant.

On Monday, in his role as the Roads Minister, Jesse announced that £1.25 million has been allocated for potholes in Herefordshire, as part of a wider Government announcement in response to the severe damage from the recent winter weather.

The Housing Infrastructure Fund is a grant programme of up to £2.3 billion, to be awarded to local authorities to help with housing and local infrastructure demand. Following the bid submitted in September 2017, Herefordshire Council has been shortlisted to progress to the final co-development stage of Forward Funding, potentially worth £95 million. The Council will be given access to expert advice and constructive challenge to help develop its business case, ready to submit finished proposals in Spring 2018. The best business cases will be awarded funding to complete their projects.

Finally, Herefordshire Council has been awarded £9,050 by the Litter Innovation Fund for a project studying public behaviour in relation to littering. The Fund was created by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs to pilot, implement and evaluate innovative small-scale projects aimed at reducing litter.

Commenting on the news, Jesse said “This is a terrific trio of wins for Herefordshire, and I congratulate the Council for their role in making them happen.

"I am delighted that the Government has been able to allocate more pothole funding to help combat the effects of the recent bad weather, as well as seeing the potential in Herefordshire for growth from new investment in housing and infrastructure.

"But it is also highly encouraging that the Herefordshire's litter-picking expertise and experience have been recognised. This is an issue on which I have campaigned locally--and run numerous litter-picks!--over a decade, and the Litter Innovation Fund grant now gives us a chance to make a national impact.”