MIDDLEWICH Eastern Bypass has moved a step closer to reality after the Government confirmed it will provide funding for the project.

The Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling MP, says £46.8 million will be granted for the relief road.

The aim of the project is to reduce congestion in the town centre and it has the potential to provide more than 2,000 jobs.

Fiona Bruce, MP for Congleton, said: “This is a massive boost for Middlewich.

"It puts Middlewich firmly on the economic map of the north west and should act as a rocket launcher for further investment, such as the reopening of Middlewich Railway Station for passengers.

“Such a huge commitment by this Government will radically improve the quality of life for Middlewich people, both reducing chronic congestion and opening up many much needed local job opportunities.

“I want to express my appreciation, both to Cheshire East Council for working with me on a sustained basis over many years to make a clear business case to Government for this Bypass funding, in the face of severe competition from other towns across the country.

"I also want to thank Government ministers for listening to our representations in Westminster, and responding with this fantastic announcement today.”

The Government funding is set to cover 80 per cent of the costs for the scheme.

At a cabinet meeting last month, CEC agreed that 20 per cent of the costs should be funded by the council and third party or developer contributions.

The funding is one of only two new large local major road schemes receiving approval at the present time, and has been achieved in the face of stiff competition.

Chris Grayling MP said: “As someone who used to live just outside Middlewich, I know well just how important this project is and the difference it will make.”

Middlewich town councillors have welcomed the news.

Cllr Mike Parsons, CEC ward member, said: “We know that the bypass has been a long time in coming, but we knew from the work we were doing with CEC that we could achieve a result by Autumn 2017 and had stated this many times.

"Whilst it has taken a long time to bring to fruition, the fact that Middlewich’s by-pass has been granted within 12 months of that of Congleton, whose initial application was some eight years ahead of ours on the calendar, shows just how hard we have fought to achieve this for our town.

"Success comes through dedication and hard work, not merely shouting and thumping tables and Middlewich First has proved that.”

Cllr Samantha Moss, Middlewich Town Mayor, said: "Elation is the only word I can think of.

"I can't believe we have finally been granted this money and it will be of huge benefit to the whole town.

"It has been a hard fought battle to get here and there is still a long way to go. But I would like to thank all the councillors for pushing this forward.

"I can't wait to get spades in the ground."

Independent Middlewich councillor David Latham has congratulated Fiona Bruce MP but warned that there is still work to be done.

He said: "Fiona has really pushed for this funding in parliament and I welcome the news. 

"It is a massive step forward but I along with a lot of others will not be celebrating until this road is complete.

"If Cheshire East Council want to win back the support of residents then they have a chance to now and should strike the iron while it's hot.

"It is now or never and this project must get completed." 

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cheshire East Council leader, said: “This council is committed to delivering the eastern bypass for Middlewich and has worked hard towards that aim since it took over responsibility for delivering it in 2015.

“This announcement is excellent news for the residents of Middlewich, who have been waiting for more than 20 years for a bypass, which will relieve traffic congestion and open up major development opportunities in the town.

“The council is now in a position to proceed with a project that is a critical part of an overall transport plan for Middlewich and which we anticipate will be completed by spring 2021.

“We are a busy highways authority that has delivered on significant projects, such as the Crewe Green Link Road and the Poynton bypass scheme. We are ambitious and well placed now to deliver for the residents of Middlewich and everyone else in our borough and beyond.

“With this confirmation from government, we can now focus on ensuring that the highest quality engineering design, environmental protection and public engagement influence a bypass that serves the needs of the whole town.”