THE North-East is to receive more than £360m over the next three years to spend on road and transport improvements, the Government has announced.

The money is over and above that already allocated to a number of schemes, including the upgrade of parts of the A1(M).

As well as major schemes, Transport Secretary Alistair Darling said provision was also being made for the maintenance of local roads and smaller schemes, such as bus lanes and shelters and cycleways.

Funding will help to pay for a number of schemes from April, some of which have already begun or are waiting approval subject to a public inquiry.

Schemes that have been approved include stage three of the South Stockton link and the A167 Chilton bypass in County Durham.

A number of Highways Agency schemes will also be advanced using the funding, such as improvements to parts of the A19 and turning stretches of the A66 into dual carriageway.

Mr Darling said: "This funding will enable councils across the region to invest in the transport schemes needed to support their growing economies.

"It will also help make local roads better and safer and public transport a more attractive and reliable alternative to the car."

He added: "The announcement demonstrates the Government's continuing commitment to investing in local transport in the North-East."

The £360m covers the first three years of the ten-year Government investment plan for transport. Additional allocations will be made in later years.