Work on the £21-million Cudworth and West Green bypass is underway and to mark this event officially Barnsley Mayor Cllr Ken Sanderson joined Cudworth ward councillors Charlie Wraith, Joe Hayward and Steve Houghton for a turf-cutting ceremony.

Also present were representatives from Barnsley Council's Highways and Engineering service, who were involved in the development of the scheme, and the contractor Leeds-based VHE Construction Plc.

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Construction is expected to take 18 months. When complete the 5.2km bypass will reduce the amount of traffic, particularly heavy goods vehicles, using the A628 through Cudworth. The scheme will also improve access to vital employment sites in the area.

The Department for Transport is providing £20.2m, with the council meeting the remainder of the total £21.2m cost. The bypass will comprise a single carriageway, which will bypass much of the A628 through Cudworth and link Ardagh Glassworks and Carlton Industrial Estates to the major road network.

There will also be a 3-metre-wide, lit combined footway and cycleway along the entire route, together with improved links into, and extension of, the existing principal right of way network including the Trans Pennine Trail.

(CD/JM)