MULTI-MILLION pound plans to improve transport links in Slough have been hailed as 'vital’ to the town’s thriving economy.

Slough Borough Council will receive £5.6m as part of Slough Mass Rapid Transit (SMaRT) scheme to improve links on the A4, providing a rapid bus service and upgrades to junctions.

Town hall chiefs say the cash will also make a 'major contribution to reducing road congestion’.

Savio De Cruz, head of transport for Slough Borough Council, said: “Improving transport links is vital to the economic health of Slough and I’m pleased there is a commitment from the Government to fund such schemes.” The plans were approved by the Berkshire Local Transport Board (BLTB) at its meeting on Thursday (24/7), allowing the tendering process to begin.

The council will receive £3.6m of government investment in 2015/16, with a further £2m the following year, as part of the deal first announced on July 7.

Mr De Cruz added: “The A4 is used by thousands of commuters and businesses each day and is a vital transport corridor linking Maidenhead, Slough and Heathrow.

“SMaRT will vastly improve bus journey times, making a major contribution to reducing road congestion and increasing economic efficiency.” Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (TVBLEP) has been allocated £96.9m in total as part of a deal to support economic growth in the Thames Valley, all but £2.3m of which is for transport schemes.

Part of this funding has been provisionally allocated for road widening schemes in Windsor Road and Tuns Lane towards the M4.