Transport priorities get funding

The government has announced funding for a £7m bus station and a major relief road in a transport plan.

Early work on Mansfield's station has already begun but the plan means it should be finished by 2009.

Extra money also has been approved for a £15m bypass on the A47 at Earl Shilton in Leicestershire.

Upgrades to the A6096 in Derbyshire and the A158 in Lincs costing £28m have had final approval while plans to improve the A46 in Notts will "progress".

Redevelopment plans

The Department for Transport said the long term funding programme gave the regions a chance to plan ahead.

Nottinghamshire County Council and Mansfield District Council, partners in the bus station plan, said they were delighted the project has had the final go-ahead.

The old bus station on Stockwell Gate will continue operating for now and when it is no longer needed the area will be redeveloped as a shopping complex.

An extension to Nottingham's tram system does not fall within the funding remit of this programme, officials confirmed.

Lincolnshire County Council said the funding meant the work on the A158 at Burgh Le Marsh could begin as early as next year.