A £2 MILLION project to build a footbridge over the railway line into the Wichelstowe development has been given the thumbs up.

The Wichelstowe Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge project will mean a new footbridge over the mainline railway, which will provide access to and from the stalled multi-million pound development.

Anne Snelgrove, South Swindon MP, said: “The Government has recognised how vital a bridge over the railway is to Swindon’s regeneration.

“I’m pleased the town’s MPs, working with the council, have managed to secure this funding. It also supports the notion of a university in the centre of Swindon.”

Coun Peter Greenhalgh, cabinet member for sustainability, transport and strategic planning, questioned the involvement of Mrs Snelgrove, but welcomed the announcement.

He said: “I would be interested to know exactly what involvement Anne Snelgrove had in securing this funding.

“I’m also not sure how it supports a university in the town centre.

“The bridge is part of our ongoing transport planning strategy to provide sustainable development and is an important part of the Wichelstowe project.

“We are very pleased that the department for Communities and Local Government has once again recognised that Swindon is driving forward some of the most sustainable development in the country.

“Work will start as soon as possible.”

The £2.09m of funding was part of £18m of funding for the South West announced by the department for Communities and Local Government yesterday.

Margaret Beckett, minister of state for housing and planning, said: “By investing today in tomorrow’s infrastructure we are helping to ensure the foundations are in place to support economic recovery, while also creating and safeguarding jobs right now.”

Ben Bradshaw, minister of state for the south west, said: “I am pleased that the south west has been successful in securing funding of over £18m under the Community Infrastructure Fund.

“The transport schemes in Plymouth, Exeter and Swindon will provide the infrastructure for thousands of new homes to be built and support 279 jobs in the region as part of the Government’s fiscal stimulus to support the economy.”