Nottingham City Council are still urging the government to provide the funding for Phase Two of Nottingham Express Transit despite the forthcoming spending cuts. In a press release Cllr Jane Urquhart, portfolio holder for Transport and Area working, said that she was encouraged that the coalition government will look favourably at schemes which promote economic growth.
Cllr Urquhart, said: “"I am encouraged by the news that the coalition government doesn't want to be defined solely by its emphasis on cuts, and that David Cameron and Nick Clegg are encouraging ministers to identify areas of potential growth.
"If capital projects that bring growth are what they're after, they need look no further than our proposals for an extended tram network. The construction and operation of two more tram lines (NET Phase Two) is the single most important development which will help create growth and economic prosperity for Nottingham and the surrounding area.
"NET Phase Two would generate economic benefits more than twice the value of the cost of the scheme. It would act as a catalyst for further inward investment and regeneration for years to come in and around Nottingham, including the redevelopment of Beeston Town Centre, potentially creating between 4,000 and 10,000 jobs. The new lines would provide affordable, green and speedy public transport, linking thousands of people, many of whom don't own cars and live within Nottingham's more economically disadvantaged areas, to key employment sites, colleges, both universities and the QMC.
“Another bonus for the government is that the main payments won't begin until 2014 – which is when they anticipate the recovery of the economy to have started. Therefore, all things considered, it makes perfect sense and it would be the best result for Nottingham not to include NET Phase Two in the wider cuts in the autumn spending review.”
Source: Nottingham City Council