To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans there are to improve infrastructure in Wellingborough under the South Midlands and Milton Keynes spatial strategy; and if she will list the projects to be undertaken and their (a) start and (b) completion dates. (155126)

Since 2004, the Government working with partners in the Northamptonshire area have invested £100 million additional funding through the Growth Area Fund in Northamptonshire.

Spending on infrastructure has already commenced in certain areas that will relate to Wellingborough. A £1.3 million scheme for the improvement of the A45/A509 Wilby Way roundabout, near Wellingborough, was approved for CIF grant in 2006. The scheme is due to be completed by April 2008. In addition, £1.5 million has been allocated for town centre improvements in Wellingborough for the period 2006-07 to 2007-08

In addition, from the commencement of the new East Midlands Rail Franchise timetable in December 2008, rail passengers will benefit from a new hourly service between Kettering and London (including Wellingborough), increasing the number of off peak services on the midland main line to five trains per hour.