IT’S the £25 million project that councillors say will transform the city for cyclists.

But one Southampton MP has said the money set aside for the Southampton Cycle Network should be “re-prioritised” in the light of health and safety in tower blocks.

Tory MP for Southampton Itchen Royston Smith slammed city leaders for spending money on new cycle paths in the light of national investigations into the safety of high rise buildings.

Mr Smith says money to install sprinklers has been put aside by the council since 2015 – after recommendations made in 2010 after the Shirley Towers fire killed two Southampton firefighters.

He said in 2013 a coroner’s letter suggested a retro fit of sprinklers, and in 2015 a Southampton City Council cabinet report money was allocated – but that the work is “still not done – why?”

He said: “The cabinet put aside money in 2015. You are already seven years late, five years late and now definitely two years late.

“They should see down the kitchen and bathroom refits and cycle paths and prioritise residents’ safety.”

“Money allocated by government for specific projects has to be spent on those projects.

“However, when you have something as serious as safety in tower blocks then I would be the first to say that money should be re-prioritised. It would need to be a Ministerial decision but I think it makes sense to look at spending priorities in light of the Grenfell tragedy.”

But Councillor Christopher Hammond said the money for the SCN has been made available with local council money as well as grants from central government. He added that the council “will go for any bids made available” and said: “When you have a government that has taken away money from councils – and we have £40 million more cuts to come – you have to apply for grants when you can.”