Cheshire MPs 'hopeful' over Middlewich Bypass scheme funding

The town centre regularly suffers with severe traffic congestion, but no solution has been forthcoming since proposals for a bypass were first mooted 40 years ago.

Last year Cheshire East Council was a dealt a blow as its business case for the scheme was knocked by the previous administration due to it being 'poor value for money'.

Now, after the council submitted a fresh business case, Mid Cheshire MP Andrew Cooper and Congleton MP Sarah Russell have impressed on the Government the importance of the scheme to the region.

The pair held a meeting with Lilian Greenwood MP, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Future of Roads, where they explained a bypass could also help reduce journey times for those travelling from Sandbach to Holmes Chapel.

Congleton MP Sarah Russell, right, and Mid Cheshire MP Andrew Cooper with Lilian Greenwood MP, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Future of Roads (Image: Supplied) Speaking after the meeting, Mr Cooper said: “The minister acknowledged the importance of the scheme, the strong local support for it, and the significant benefits it would bring to the local area and surrounding region.

“Although the minister made no commitment that funding would be released for the project, we remain hopeful.

“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.

Congestion in Middlewich (Image: Supplied) “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.”

During the meeting, Mr Cooper explained the business case submitted to the Government for the Middlewich Eastern Bypass scheme was 'robust'.

He added a significant amount of taxpayer’s money had already been spent on the project, and delaying it further would have major financial implications for Cheshire East Council, which has already invested heavily in the scheme.

According to Mr Cooper, giving the giving the project the green light could unlock up to 1,950 new homes and employment land, and potentially create up to 6,500 jobs in the local area.

Planning permissions and statutory orders are already in place, and contractors are lined up ready to start work next Spring subject to approval of the business case.