A REGIONAL transport body for Oxfordshire has become closer to being a reality following a share of a £2m Government cash boost.

England's Economic Heartland (EEH) - made up of authorities in Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire - will use the money to develop a regional transport plan.

It will share the cash with a bid from Transport for the South East, which includes Kent and Hampshire.

Transport secretary Chris Grayling announced the funding to improve connectivity in the South East.

The group's chairman, Martin Tett, leader of Buckinghamshire County Council, said:

"This investment is good news and will help us deliver our ambitious programme of work over the next 12 months, which includes developing an over-arching transport strategy and taking forward work to establish England's Economic Heartland as a sub-national transport body."

The EEH could achieve that feat as early as next year, giving it similar powers to Transport for The North.

The organisation could manage routes in the region and make it easier to put bids into Government for further funding.

Mr Grayling said: "This Government is committed to empowering regions across the UK by giving them a stronger influence over the future of transport in their area.

"This will help us build the modern and effective links our country needs, improving journey times, boosting housing development and economic growth, and getting people and goods where they need to be faster, safely and more comfortably."