A REPORT has highlighted infrastructure needed in Oxfordshire before 2040.

The report by professional and technical services firm AECOM, highlights the need for long-term investment.

For the first time six Oxfordshire councils are working together to develop a joint strategy detailing the county’s key infrastructure requirements.

Projects include improvements to the A34, bus routes to be improved linking key locations and congestion on the A40.

Once complete, the Oxfordshire Growth Board will have a new infrastructure strategy that will identify, map and support the county’s strategic infrastructure requirements.

It is estimated currently that the anticipated growth will cost around £9billion to deliver

Cllr James Mills, leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “We know growth is inevitable – the task is to ensure that it is sustainable for the benefit of local people.

"Investment in infrastructure will ensure that jobs are created, schools and hospitals built or improved and transport links developed for the benefit of communities now and in the future.”

The AECOM report is published on the Oxfordshire Growth Board website at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/growthboard and there is an opportunity to submit comments online.