Work is expected to start on the Middlewich Bypass in the spring with the new road completed by 2028.

The government finally agreed to stump up grant funding for the scheme earlier this month, but the delay has led to costs spiralling.

The 1.6-mile bypass will connect Pochin Way in the north of Middlewich to the A533 Booth Lane in the south, including a new bridge over the Sandbach-Northwich railway line.

It will also feature a combined cycleway and footway.

At Wednesday's meeting of the full council, Middlewich councillor Garnet Marshall (Ind) said: "This essential infrastructure has faced numerous setbacks over many years.

"Campaign groups such as FFM (Fight for Middlewich), former and present councillors are now looking to be reassured that there will be no last-minute technical or financial problem that will get in the way of this completion.

"Given that the further delays will only exacerbate the funding issues, can the chair tell me what he and his committee are planning to do to address the shortfall, caused mainly by inflation pressures, and to get the bypass completed?"

Highways and transport committee chair Mark Goldsmith (Ind) said: "The council remains committed to the scheme and envisages work will likely start in spring 2026.

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"The winter months make the earth-moving work far harder, which is why it will most likely wait until the spring."

He continued: "The options to bridge the funding gap are being prepared by officers and will be brought to the highways and transport committee in due course for that decision, most likely in September.

"Therefore, while I cannot pre-empt the committee's decision, I can reiterate that Cheshire East remains committed to the new road, and it anticipates work starting in spring 2026 with completion in 2028."