MILLIONS of pounds will be invested in our region's roads over the next three years to ensure ultrafast broadband is available across Merseyside and Halton by 2023.

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority approved £6.4m of investment in infrastructure to bring the ultrafast internet to all six boroughs in the city region.

More than 200km of digital infrastructure will be installed in roads, footpaths and cycle ways to connect the boroughs to the Hartree supercomputer in Halton, one of the most powerful supercomputers in the country.

Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said the work, much of which will take place as routine roadworks happen to reduce disruption, is vital for economic growth.

He said: "Digital connectivity has never been more important and I want to ensure no borough in our region is left behind.

"I want our region to be the most digitally connected area in the country and we're putting the infrastructure in place now to ensure that we can be at the forefront of the digital revolution moving forward.

"Having ultrafast broadband connectivity will help us to create and attract new jobs, industries and businesses to our region, generating £1bn for the local economy."

It is hoped plans to combine the installation of the infrastructure with regular road maintenance will save £3m.

Once installed city region bosses believe it can aid improvements in health, education and public services as well as boosting the digital sector more directly.

Councillor David Baines, leader of St Helens Council and portfolio holder for digital connectivity and inclusion at the Combined Authority, said: "Ultrafast connectivity is fundamental for growing our economy so we're moving at pace with this project to make sure people and businesses can benefit as quickly as possible.

"We know it's important to coordinate the works with existing roadworks and infrastructure plans which is why we are using the 'dig once' approach, which will not only help us save money, but reduce disruption for our residents."