Investment Property News - Bueno Investments Limited

Small Northern Cities ‘Missing Out’

Poor transport networks have seen smaller cities and towns in northern England fail to share in the economic success of the region’s large centres, a report claims.

Centre for Cities warned unless transport and economic links are improved areas such as Blackburn and Burnley risk falling further behind Manchester and Leeds.

The research compared the strong links between areas in the South East and London with the lack of movement between areas in the North.

It found that over 10% of the working population in Reading commute about 40 miles to work in London, whereas fewer than 3% of residents in Burnley travel half that distance to work in Manchester.

Dermot Finch, director of Centre for Cities, said: “We need to network the North. Large northern cities like Leeds and Greater Manchester are on the up, but poor commuter transport networks and weak trade links are stopping this new-found wealth from spilling over into neighbouring towns and cities.

“With budgets tightening we should be worried about these smaller cities and towns falling behind. A prosperous Greater Manchester is vital to the northern economy – as is Leeds. These cities need continued investment in their transport links and economic development to maintain their success.”

Back To Main News Menu