THE leader of Cheshire East Council has moved swiftly to ensure that plans to upgrade junction 17 of the M6 and boost connectivity will go ahead.

The council has had high-level talks with the Department for Transport to ensure that the original £3.2m pinch point scheme will go ahead, to be completed next summer, with the option to enlarge the roundabout subject to any future development of the Capricorn site.

Originally, the junction work was required to be completed by March 31, 2015, or government funding could have been pulled.

Clr Michael Jones, leader of Cheshire East Council, said people should be reassured that the council had acted swiftly to ensure this vital scheme will be built.

He added: “We have intervened with the Department for Transport at the highest level and the scheme will go ahead regardless of developer contribution. We must have this roundabout for the people of Cheshire East and we will have it.

“The great news is that the pinch point scheme is being delivered in its entirety by the Highways Agency.

“The council will continue to work with the developer and landowners to bring forward a high-quality employment site for the people of Sandbach and Cheshire.

“Connectivity is key for Cheshire East and its economic growth and this Council will always act to ensure we get the best connectivity for our residents and businesses.”

The pinch point funded scheme for J17 will provide a roundabout to the northbound slip road of the M6 and a traffic signal junction serving the southbound slip road.

The council will work closely with the Highways Agency to ensure all appropriate measures are taken to minimise disruption to people when the ‘phase two’ larger roundabout is delivered to provide access to the development site.