Gloucestershire County Council has announced that it is to host two public information events for the M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme next week, despite a significant shortfall in fundung.

The project was granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Transport in June, says Punchline Gloucestershire.

The public information events are intended to give local residents, businesses and other stakeholders an opportunity to learn more about the scheme. Attendees will be able to meet the project team, find out what’s planned and ask questions.

The drop-in events will take place on Wednesday 15 October from 11am to 2pm and Thursday 16 October from 4pm to 7pm at Cheltenham West Community Fire and Rescue Station in Uckington, Cheltenham.

Cllr Julian Tooke, cabinet member for business, economic development, planning and infrastructure, said:

“The scheme is vital for enabling the delivery of planned housing and employment sites, as well as improving traffic flow and safety.

“However, it’s important to be clear that the scheme currently faces a significant funding shortfall. We are actively lobbying government for an additional £70 million to close this gap – without it, the delivery of the scheme is at risk.

“I encourage residents and businesses who support the scheme to contact their local MP and make their views known — their voices can help ensure this vital infrastructure project goes ahead.”

Funding for the scheme has been secured from a range of sources. So far, contributions have been secured from: UK Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, administered by Homes England; district council Community Infrastructure Levy funding; Gloucestershire County Council; and S106 contributions from developers whose sites will directly benefit from the scheme.

(Pic: Gloucestershire County Council/YouTube)