Middlewich’s MP has met with the roads minister to push the funding drive for the eastern bypass.

Fiona Bruce MP met with Andrew Jones MP, the Department for Transport minister, to present arguments to him from the outline business case that was approved by Cheshire East Council.

The future of the bypass is largely dependent on the government granting a £47 million fund to complete the project, with a decision expected this summer.

Fiona Bruce MP said: “It was important I met with the Minister straight away to press the key arguments for government funding for Middlewich.

“Other towns are competing strongly for this money and we have to make our voice heard loud and clear.

“There are daily chronic congestion difficulties in Middlewich and the Bypass would also open up opportunities for many new local jobs and support the delivery of a new railway station.

The Congleton MP has been committed to the completion of the bypass since her election in 2010, and as recently as 2015 reiterated that the success of the plans were down to her.

She added: “I am committed to working closely with Cheshire East Council on this for the people of Middlewich.

“It is that effective joint working which secured the initial government funding last year towards the development of this business case.”

Middlewich Town Councillor Jonathan Parry welcomed the news but stressed that there is still continued work to be done before the project begins.

He said: “I’m glad Fiona has had this meeting as we need all the help we can get on this application.

“I do think we deserve it, we’ve been waiting nearly 30 years and we need to move forward as quckly as possible.

“But until I see tarmac on that route I won’t believe it’s happening so it’s important to carry on pushing.”