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Economic Development

'There's more to do' - West of England Mayor reflects on first six months in office

Helen Godwin says she is 'proud to be doing things differently' in the region

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)

The Mayor of the West of England says there is "more to do and the best is yet to come" as she marks six months in office.

Labour's Helen Godwin was sworn in as the head of the West of England Combined Authority (Weca) in May after securing 25.0% of the vote.

As leader of the regional authority, which covers Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire, she has the power to make decisions on areas such as jobs, transport, the environment, planning and business support.

Since taking the helm, Ms Godwin said Weca had secured nearly £1bn including £752m for improving buses, more trains, and mass transit plans.

“Since May, we have started a new chapter for the West," she said. "I’m proud to be doing things differently."

She added: “Working with council leaders and partners, we’re investing in new and existing train stations, rolling out green electric buses, and launching new routes.

"Regional funding is supporting better walking and cycling options across the West, and investing in parks and high streets."

The mayor also highlighted government investment of £40m in Twerton, a suburb of Bath, and Hartcliffe, in Bristol; the devolving of £25m for the region's creative industries; and funding of solar panels for two dozen schools.