A ‘PROJECT board’ specifically dedicated to the Midpoint 18 business site and Middlewich Bypass is set to be introduced by Cheshire East Council. 


The council has been carrying out surveys in order to create a detailed design for the bypass and a report of its findings will be presented to cabinet on February 9. 


After the report is approved by cabinet, the council claims it will be in a position to present its findings to residents and explain how it plans to deliver the bypass.


The report will also seek approval from the cabinet to set up a project board covering the masterplanning of the Midpoint 18 site, including the Middlewich Eastern Bypass. 


A statement from a Cheshire East Council Strategic Infrastructure spokesman said: “In February a report is planned to go to Cheshire East’s Cabinet in order to get the necessary authorisation and approvals for officers to continue with the scheme development. 


“This will outline the various activities we intend to undertake during this year to ensure we have a viable and deliverable scheme, including consultation with stakeholders. 


“The Cabinet report will also seek approval to set up a Project Board which will cover the masterplanning of the Midpoint 18 site, for which the Bypass is essential to deliver the employment growth in the Local Plan.”


The statement comes in response to Middlwich Town Council member, Cllr David Williams, who has been calling for more openness on the progress of the bypass since last autumn.


Cllr Williams said: “I have finally received an answer to my formal complaint against Cheshire East Highways about their failure to produce the promised programme of works for the completion of the by-pass in the Autumn, as was reported in the Guardian. 


“I'm delighted that my continued pressure on the borough council has resulted in the setting of a new deadline for a report, but I am disappointed that they appear to have moved away from a programme of works which is what the town council called for. 


“We'll see what the report says, but unless we have a full timetable for completion the dither, drift and delay will continue and we will not be able to hold the council to account. 


“Cheshire East Council’s warm words are no longer good enough. It's easy for them to say they remain committed to the project, but then not progress it. We will judge their commitment to Middlewich on inches of Tarmac laid, not press releases issued.”


Cheshire East Council has also agreed to hold regular update meetings with the three Middlewich ward members, Fiona Bruce MP, Middlewich Town Council Clerk, Jonathan Williams, and a representative from the town council.


The first of these update meetings will be held on Friday, January 22.