Bypass a 'real benefit' to Scunthorpe

Plans to build a bypass which will connect Scunthorpe's southern motorway junction to the rest of the town have been approved.

Burringham Bypass will connect the M181 directly to Burringham Road.

North Lincolnshire Council said it would provide the infrastructure needed for six new villages to the west of Scunthorpe, and give people a more direct route to the motorway from Ashby, Bottesford, Burringham, Yaddlethorpe and Messingham.

Rob Barnard, who lives in Ashby, said: "I think it's going to be a real improvement, especially from this end of the town. It will take a lot of congestion away from the other end. As far as I'm concerned, it's a good thing."

The council said funding for the project would come from the government's Local Regeneration Fund.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, a roundabout has already been developed, but it currently leads nowhere.

It also said the remaining works were expected to cost about £3.9m.

Messingham resident and parish councillor Simon Shaw said he thought the plans were an "excellent idea".

"You are looking at improved motorway access for about 50,000 people, which has got to be good.

"There is a terrific traffic problem around Berkeley Circle with long queues. That's going to be alleviated, and it's really solving problems that date back 15 to 20 years. So yes, I'm all for it."

Councillor Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: "This is another major milestone, not just for the bypass but for the wider Trent Vale vision – the roundabout will be going somewhere very soon.

"We've always been clear that if we're going to deliver new communities, the infrastructure has to come first.

"This road unlocks the southern part of Trent Vale and will provide immediate benefits for residents who have waited far too long to see this motorway junction properly connected."

Listen to highlights fromLincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch thelatest episode of Look North.

Download the BBC News app from the App Storefor iPhone and iPad orGoogle Play for Android devices