Bosses at construction materials company Lafarge Aggregates & Concrete UK have welcomed news of extra investment for infrastructure projects around the UK.

The £30billion plan to build roads, railways, power stations and schools was fleshed out by Chancellor, George Osbourne, during his Autumn Statement.

Major schemes previously mothballed will now go ahead thanks to both Government spending and private cash from pension funds and overseas investment.

Osbourne said the aim was to boost growth and reduce unemployment.

Stuart Wykes, managing director for aggregates at Lafarge, said:

"The extra money for infrastructure projects is good news for the country, the economy and of course the construction industry.

"It offers a much needed boost which will bring the prospect of more jobs, enhanced people development and better opportunities for training for apprentices and other young people.

"Investment in infrastructure is key to a healthy economy and delivers significant benefits.

"Recent studies have shown that every £1 spent on infrastructure yields almost £3 in additional economic activity - that's a triple whammy in terms of benefit.

"The first and most immediate benefit is the creation of new jobs or safeguarding of existing jobs - and that is across the whole supply chain from the professional services involved in architecture and design to the building firms and materials providers such as Lafarge.

"Secondly the improvements in infrastructure - in the roads, airports and other essential transport systems - mean everyone can get around better.

"Thirdly, and linking in with the improvements, the economy gets a boost from industrial, retail and commercial companies which are able to transport their goods more rapidly, promoting efficiency and potential for growth, while enhanced transport links can promote regeneration in the surrounding areas in terms of new businesses, housing and employment opportunities."

Among the projects outlined were £150million improving the M1/M6 intersection, £110million on the A45/A46 Tollbar End improvement scheme, £120million for the widening of the A14 and £270million for extension of hard shoulder running on the M6.