WILTSHIRE Council have announced they will be moving ahead with plans to build a 'relief road' in Chippenham as their bid for £75m was successful.

They put in a bid to central government so they could build a road linking the A350 on the northern and southern points of the town which aims to ease congestion.

It will also unlock development land that could support up to 7,500 new homes in Chippenham.

Cllr Philip Whitehead, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “We’re delighted to be awarded £75 million through the Housing Infrastructure Fund. The bidding process is highly competitive so to secure this funding demonstrates confidence in our ability to deliver these important transport improvements and our economic and housing aspirations.

“The funding provides us with a welcome opportunity to get things right from the start and have the right infrastructure in place before any additional development takes place in and around the town centre, which is exactly what residents have told us they want.

“We know some of Chippenham’s infrastructure is already at capacity which causes problems for the residents every day of the week. This essential investment will help provide a sustainable network fit for the 21st century and enable growth both in employment and housing in Chippenham. Added improvements will also include enhancement of the town centre and access to it, new community facilities and new public green space all of which will have a positive impact on people’s lives across Chippenham and the surrounding areas.”