NEW powers and cash for Transport for the North have been welcomed by Rossendale and Darwen MP Jake Berry.

He said its legal status would give the region an unprecedented say on how money is spent on road and rail projects including £18.5million for ‘smart ticketing’

,Mr Berry, the Northern Powerhouse Minister, said: “We are investing a record £13 billion in transport in the North of England.

“Transport for the North will be a game-changer, with powers to speak with one voice on northern transport projects and drive forward ambitious plans to improve transport connections and unlock economic growth.”

Ed Cox, director of the IPPR North think tank, said: “We welcomeTransport for the North being given statutory status but businesses and commuters will expect this will mean that Northern Powerhouse Rail and plans to open up an east-west freight supercorridor will move ahead without further backtracking.”

Andy McDonald, Labour’s shadow transport secretary, said : “The status of Transport for the North is to be downgraded confirming the Conservatives’ promises of devolution aren’t worth the paper they are written on.”