By JOEL SAWYER

Warrington Borough Council has been named as one of only 14 'Centres of Excellence' in the UK for its continuing drive to improve transport.

Environmental chiefs from the borough council collected the award for Integrated Transport Planning from Transport Minister Keith Hill.

The award was given to Warrington for its innovative measures to improve transport and the quality of the council's Local Transport Plan (LTP).

In December last year the council scooped a massive £33 million to fund its entire LTP bid.

This will go towards a Bridgefoot bypass, urban traffic and management system and various integrated transport measures and road maintenance works.

Clr John Joyce, chairman of the environmental services committee, said: "Gaining this award is a tremendous achievement and shows we are at the forefront of transport development in the UK.

"We are exceptionally proud to have been given such an important award, which is testament to the hard work being put in to tackle the huge transport issues Warrington faces."

Transport Minister Keith Hill praised the town's transport planning, commenting: "I am delighted to designate Warrington Borough Council a Centre of Excellence for Integrated Transport Planning.

"I was very impressed with Warrington's local transport plan and this recognition is well deserved. I look forward to seeing the plan becoming reality."

Warrington Borough Council will now take a key role in helping other councils develop equally strong local transport plans and be used as an example of best practice.