An improved bus service connecting Exmouth with job opportunities in Exeter and East Devon has been included as part of an £8million project fund.

East Devon District Council gave the go ahead to fund four projects, unlocking new jobs and employment space locally.

Some £530,000 has been allocated over three years for an ‘enhanced’ bus service connecting the Enterprise Zone - Exeter Science Park, Skypark, Airport Business Park and Cranbrook town centre - and Exeter, with some services also running to Woodbury and Exmouth. This will be for a three year period from summer 2018.

Councillor Stuart Barker, Devon County Council cabinet member for economy and skills, said: “Investing in future economic growth is key to the success of our businesses, the creation of new jobs and a prosperous local economy.

“The enhanced bus service and park and change will provide more travel choices for people working in the enterprise zone and beyond.”

The projects are subject to final approval from EDDC’s full council, in conjunction with partners at Devon County Council and Exeter Airport.

Specific projects are:

• £530,000 over three years for an enhanced bus service connecting the Enterprise Zone and Exeter, with some services also running to Woodbury and Exmouth. This will be for a three year period from summer 2018.

• £1.355m as match funding for a Park and Change site at Exeter Science Park providing over 300 car park spaces next to bike lockers and an electric bike sharing station.

• £1.4m forward-funding for upgrading the Instrument landing system at Exeter Airport. A lack of operational headroom in the current system is preventing nearby development and the upgrade will allow new development at Skypark and Exeter Airport Business Park. The cost of the new landing system will be recouped from developers.

• Up to £100k to enable a design scheme for the upgrade of Long Lane. The improvements are needed to allow access to the expansion of Exeter Airport Business Park.