Decision is too late to start work this summer

THE government has finally agreed to stump up funding towards the Middlewich Eastern Bypass.

- BY BELINDA RYAN, LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER

Mid Cheshire MP Andrew Cooper confirmed yesterday (Tuesday, July 8) the Department for Transport has now given the green light to release around £47 million for the scheme and his office said it is hoped work will start in the next 12 months.

Cheshire East Council has welcomed the positive decision but said it has arrived too late for construction to start on site this summer as originally planned and therefore complete by autumn 2027.

The long-awaited road was put on hold in April of last year by the previous government, which asked Cheshire East to look again at the scheme costs, which then were in the region of £95 million.

In a joint statement, Cheshire East leader Nick Mannion (Lab) and deputy Michael Gorman (Ind), said: "Delivery of the Middlewich Eastern Bypass has been long awaited and has overwhelming local support.

"Today's news is a tremendous boost for Middlewich and the wider Cheshire East economy, and the council remains committed to delivering this scheme.

"However, the delay in the government's decision has come at a cost.