Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg signed the landmark Oxford City Deal today which devolves power from Whitehall.

It will spark major improvements in local roads and public transport linking universities with the city’s industrial and research areas.

Road links to the Science Vale Enterprise Zone will be improved and the first phase of the new Science Transit public transport scheme will begin.

An estimated £600m of public and private funding will create an estimated 30,000 construction jobs.

Clegg said: “Today we are signing over real power from Whitehall to Oxford, giving the people who know Oxford best an unprecedented opportunity to decide how to invest millions of pounds in the region.

“The Oxford City Deal will provide the improved roads and public transport links the area needs to make the most of its world class universities and innovative science facilities.

“By creating thousands of jobs and hundreds of new apprenticeships, this deal has the genuine power to change the fortunes of many people across the region, ensuring we are building a stronger economy and doing it fairly.”