Two Cheshire MPs say they have been making representations about a major road scheme to government officials, in a bid to get construction started on the project.
Mid-Cheshire MP Andrew Cooper and Congleton MP Sarah Russell recently met with parliamentary under secretary for the future of roads Lilian Greenwood to discuss the issue.
The MPs said severe traffic congestion had long been a problem in Middlewich town centre, and that plans for a bypass have been passed backwards and forwards for more than four decades.
With a fresh business case having been submitted to the government by Cheshire East Council two months ago, the two MPs said they had further emphasised the scheme’s importance to the region.
As well as alleviating congestion in Middlewich, they said a bypass could also help reduce journey times for those travelling from Sandbach to Holmes Chapel.
Mr Cooper said the business case submitted to the government for the Middlewich Eastern Bypass was robust, and that a significant amount of taxpayer’s money had already been spent on the project.
Delaying it further would have major financial implications for Cheshire East Council, he added.
‘Economic benefits’
Mr Cooper outlined the economic benefits and potential for the proposed road to improve connectivity to major employment sites, enhancing the region’s attractiveness for further development.
He believes giving the project the green light could unlock the potential for about 2,000 new homes and employment land, potentially creating up to 6,500 jobs in the local area.
“Although the minister made no commitment that funding would be released for the project, we remain hopeful,” he said.
“The scheme would have significant environmental benefits too by reducing air pollution and noise levels in residential areas due to the traffic being diverted away.
“Other elements such as the introduction of bridges, cycleways and footpaths would encourage active travel and greener transport.
“There would also be benefits for transport locally as a bypass would reduce congestion and improve reliability of bus services, both of which would encourage businesses to the area.”
Planning permissions and the relevant statutory orders are already in place, and contractors are lined up ready to start work in the spring – subject to approval of the business case.
