THE road network surrounding Manchester Airport is to be improved after £165 million of Government funding was approved.

New links between the airport and its main arterial routes will provide better access for the 21 million passengers who use it each year.

The funding was announced yesterday by Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon.

He said: “Making this funding available for new road links around Manchester Airport reflects our commitment to support economic growth in the UK.

“Manchester International Airport is the fourth largest airport in the UK and of crucial economic importance to the future prosperity of the North of England.”