THE new Transport Secretary has given the go-ahead for Cheshire East Council to develop its plans for the Middlewich eastern bypass.

In his first official visit to the north west, Chris Grayling confirmed that he is making the bypass one of four priority projects, with access to a share of £4 million of Government money to build its case.

The borough council, along with Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), will now have until next spring to prepare a business case to put before the Government.

Mr Grayling said: “I am committed to improving people’s journeys across the country and schemes like this will help people get around and get on.

“We are giving this scheme in Middlewich development funding so more detailed plans can be put in place for a new bypass, which could boost the economy and spread prosperity across the area.”

The eastern bypass is one of just four schemes selected from 17, with Cheshire East Council in line to receive a one-off £1.25 million grant.

The business case is expected to be completed within the next nine months, at which point the Government will decide whether the scheme should go ahead.

Cheshire East Council Leader Rachel Bailey said: “This is fantastic news to receive.

“It enables us to complete a process for proving the business case for the delivery of a much-needed bypass in Middlewich and we intend to press ahead with this at the earliest opportunity.

“Our aim will be to meet with the approval of residents and businesses, and secure the capital finance needed to deliver the project.

“This is a result of strong partnership working involving the constituency MP Fiona Bruce, local ward members and the Cheshire and Warrington Enterprise Partnership.

“It has also come at an opportune moment as we launch our traffic and travel consultation with the residents and businesses of Middlewich to get their views on the town’s transport needs."

Middlewich MP Fiona Bruce, who has been a heavily-involved supporter of the bypass both within the town and on a national stage, added that the Government had listened to Middlewich's vocal residents.

She said: "I am delighted that we have been able to secure this Government funding.

"Middlewich has been waiting too long for a bypass, deserves this investment and local residents can be assured of my continued determination to keep fighting for the bypass for the town until we see its completion.”

Residents have been waiting and campaigning for the bypass for decades, and the need has only increased due to growing traffic issues and almost 2000 new homes potentially on the horizon.

As well as alleviating congestion, the bypass would unlock more commercial land in Pochin Way.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “The fund is highly competitive and only the highest performing schemes that will give the biggest boost to the economy and help people and businesses succeed will receive funding.”