LOCAL transport projects across North Yorkshire are to benefit from an increased funding package from the Government.

North Yorkshire County Council is in line for £27.1m to spend on transport schemes next year, up from the £22.9m they had to spend this year.

The announcement comes days after the Government indicated it was to provide up to £26.89m for the Scarborough integrated transport system.

The settlement was welcomed by the county's executive member for environmental services, Peter Sowray.

He said: "The extra funding will certainly help us deliver more projects which will, I am sure, be welcomed by local communities across North Yorkshire."

The money will be spent on a series of initiatives that have won public support through a countywide survey.

There will be improved traffic management arrangements in market towns across the county, and a range of traffic calming and road safety measures.

Cash will also be spent on improving public transport facilities, as well as making cycling and walking routes safer.

Part of the package will be used to carry out structural maintenance to the county's 6,000 miles of roads.

Councillor Sowray said yesterday: "We are particularly pleased that the Government has recognised the excellent progress the county council made last year in delivering a wide range of transport projects in accordance with our five-year local transport plan.

"This has clearly been important in deciding on our allocation for next year."

Scarborough's £26.89m integrated transport system is a package of improvements which will include the diversion on the A165 at Osgodby, park-and-ride sites on the A165 and A64, and a new urban traffic control system in the town itself.

The Government has also approved funding for a by-pass for Reighton on the A165 south of Scarborough. The £6.55m project is subject to the completion of statutory procedures.