Sefton Council has announced it is "all systems go" for the £19m Thornton to Switch Island Link Road after the Government re-confirmed its funding contribution.

The announcement means the long-awaited bypass has cleared its final hurdle and building work can start in the coming weeks.

Councillor Peter Dowd, Leader of Sefton Council, said: "This is a momentous occasion for Sefton and marks the end of decades of uncertainty around a possible link road or bypass in this area.

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"Unlike many similar major highway projects, there has been very little opposition to this scheme and consequently I'm sure this final 'go ahead' will be welcomed by thousands of people.

"The road will massively reduce journey times between the motorway network and north Sefton while taking thousands of vehicles out of the congested communities of Thornton and Netherton.

"Combined with new housing and employment opportunities in years to come, the road will encourage investment and improve the economic viability of the borough for future generations. It really is great news for Sefton and north Merseyside."

(CD/JP)