A Nottingham city councillor recently urged Alistair Darling to help stimulate the local economy by bringing forward capital projects worth up to £1bn.

Coun Graham Chapman, portfolio holder for resources, economic development and reputation, urged the Government to fast-track up to ten construction projects which would help create jobs.

The biggest of these is phase two of the Nottingham tram system.

In a letter to the Chancellor, Coun Chapman said: “I feel the council is well-placed to support this kind of initiative given our record of successful implementation of major capital schemes.”

He points out that the council has a range of capital schemes which are either in progress or awaiting key Government approval.

The second phase of the tram is due to start in late 2010 at a cost of £437m.

Coun Chapman said early approval of a £90m phase of the Building Schools for the Future programme would allow the investment to be brought to the market now, proving more spending in the local community and more jobs.

The authority believes Nottingham is can benefit from a Government push on major projects, which it hopes will steer Britain away from a recession.

The Government signalled its intentions for target spending on large infrastructure projects to create jobs earlier this week.

Other projects with fast-tracking potential include:

• A new transport interchange at Nottingham railway station for the tram and trains costing £67m
• Widening of the congested A453 and improvements to the Ring Road
• Bringing houses up to Decent Homes standard and providing new homes through a local housing company
• Creating a local energy company to increase sustainable energy use in Nottingham.

Coun Chapman said in his letter: “I firmly believe that local authorities like Nottingham City Council can be a major part of the solution to the economic slowdown through these kinds of capital schemes, which will inject money into the local economy and create jobs for local people.

“We are already changing our buying policies to favour local firms more and shortly we will be holding a ‘meet the buyers’ fair to encourage local firms to get involved in our £200m school rebuilding programme.”