Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson has “warmly welcomed” millions in funding from the UK Government for various ground-breaking decarbonisation projects.
The UK Government have confirmed seven new regional projects across the UK have been successful in receiving funding through the ‘Live Labs 2: Decarbonising Local Roads’ competition, to the tune of £30 million.
In North Lanarkshire, the UK Government is providing £4.6 million for an innovative project that will help the UK become a global leader in making road networks greener.
The Council will look to create a centre that will develop a materials testing programme to identify and deploy the latest tech for road construction, in addition to testing and deploying recycled materials from other industries to build roads.
Mr Simpson says that this collaboration is further evidence of Rishi Sunak’s UK Government helping to deliver new jobs for people in Lanarkshire and highlights the vital role Scottish expertise can play reaching national net-zero targets.
He added that the funding from the UK Government will also help the region to become a national leader and a reference point in this field of study.
Finally Mr Simpson added that investment like this is “just another example” of communities in Lanarkshire benefitting from being part of the United Kingdom.
MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson said: “It’s great that the UK Government have provided North Lanarkshire Council with funding for such an ambitious project.
“The proposed UK Centre of Excellence for Material Decarbonisation will not only deliver new jobs for the area but also means Lanarkshire will be at the forefront of advancement in this sector.
“Working with the Society of Chief Officers of Transportation in Scotland, Clackmannanshire Council, Ayrshire Roads Alliance and Heriot Watt University, I’m confident North Lanarkshire Council will use this funding to help the UK become a global leader in making road networks greener.
“Rishi Sunak’s UK Government are continuing to deliver for Lanarkshire and the whole of Scotland.
“The Live Labs 2 Fund is just another example of our communities benefiting by being part of the UK Government and I hope representatives from all parties will welcome this additional investment for our region.”
