A COUNCIL leader is backing a scheme that could unlock funding to provide thousands of homes and deliver major infrastructure upgrades in key areas such as the A40.

James Mills, leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, believes accessing the Housing Infrastructure Fund will be the key to the delivery of the county’s needs and future potential as a world-class economy.

The priority scheme under consideration involves a £135.4m bid for upgrades to the A40 which would be in addition to existing plans identified in the A40 Long Term Strategy.

This would support the delivery of more than 10,000 homes in Witney, Carterton and around Eynsham.

Mr Mills said: “The current state of the A40 means it is impossible to build the homes we need without adding to the problems that many already experience every day.

“We are working closely with Oxfordshire County Council to ensure a compelling bid is submitted to the Government that will enable us to win significant funding to allow sustainable development against a backdrop of a growing population and housing demand.”

A second, separate £152m bid relates to infrastructure north of Oxford including a park and ride at Oxford Airport and £46m of pedestrian and cycling routes. A third potential £171m bid involves the construction of transport links for the development of Didcot Garden Town.

Oxfordshire County Council is co-ordinating potential bids.

County council leader Ian Hudspeth said: “As a West Oxfordshire resident I know that improvements to the A40 are urgently needed and welcome the district council’s support.

“From a county-wide point of view, these are all important schemes and I hope we will be able to submit all three bids to government. Oxfordshire urgently needs infrastructure investment to support the predicted growth in jobs and housing and this is our best chance of securing that investment from the government.”