A NORTH-EAST council's transport network will be given extra Government funding next year.

The announcement for an increase in funding to Stockton Borough Council was made by Local Transport Minister Tony McNulty in the Local Transport Settlement for 2004/05.

Councillor Bob Cook, the council's cabinet member for development and regeneration said the announcement was very welcome.

Funding of £1.3m will enable work to continue on the South Stockton Link, where an intersection with the A66 at Bowesfield will complete the link between Ingleby Barwick and Stockton town centre in 2006.

Almost £2.4m has been allocated for integrated transport, allowing the continuation of initiatives such as the Low Floor Bus Project and Safer Routes to School.

Speed and safety measures will also be introduced and the borough's cycle network will be further developed.

A total of £315,000 has also been made available for the introduction of a bus passenger information system, to be developed jointly with other councils in the region.

Stockton has also been allocated nearly £1.3m for structural maintenance, to ensure the borough's roads and bridges are maintained to a high standard.

Coun Cook said: "This is marvellous news. The Government has recognised the progress the council is making towards our aim of giving every resident a real choice in how they can make journeys around the borough.

"As well as securing future funding for the South Stockton Link, we have been awarded a bonus payment due to our good performance over the last year.

"Of course, none of this could have been achieved without us working closely with local transport-providers, businesses and residents.

"The challenge now is to further develop these partnerships to ensure the council's vision of a truly 21st Century transport network becomes a reality."