Consultation with businesses has started on a major new road system into Cheltenham to support the development of 45 hectares and creation of a 7,000 jobs.

It is no secret Cheltenham has been earmarked for what is being billed as a UK Cyber Business Park to the West of GCHQ, and that a new road system will be needed to support it.

Businesses, residents and commuters are now being invited to find out about what is called the West of Cheltenham Transport Improvement Scheme; the project to upgrade the roads to support the development of the UK Cyber Business Park.

Designers and consultants from 'Atkins' and representatives from the council's highways team will be attending two public events showcasing the first two phases of the West of Cheltenham Transport Improvement Scheme.

Cllr Patrick Molyneux, cabinet member for economy, education and skills, said: "The improvements will help to tackle existing congestion and make sure that the roads in the area can accommodate more traffic.

"I encourage anyone who lives nearby or uses this road on their commute to go to the drop in events or visit the website to find out more about these important highway improvements."

As it seeks to sell the scheme the county council is underlining its view that "Cheltenham a key driver for the economic prosperity of Gloucestershire as well as the wider South West region".

The county council makes no bones it is "highly supportive of the emerging cyber park proposal which includes 45 hectares of much needed employment land, focussed on cyber industries generating new high skilled jobs, together with facilitating the delivery of the GCHQ Cyber Innovation Centre".

"Traffic congestion already exists to the west of Cheltenham and this needs addressing through appropriate and sustainable highway improvement measures," said a statement from the council.

The first 2 phases of improvements include:

Phase 1 - Arle Court Roundabout

Provision of an additional circulatory lane around the roundabout

Corresponding additional lanes to the A40 on the approaches and exits to and from the junction

Widening the Hatherley Lane arm to the south side of the roundabout

Bus lane modifications to improve capacity

Park and Ride entrance/exit westbound (towards Gloucester) from Arle Court Roundabout

Phase 2 - M5 Junction 11 (J11) southbound slip road to Arle Court Roundabout

M5 J11 to Arle Court eastbound carriageway widening (towards Cheltenham)

Meetings are due to take place on Tuesday, June 18, 2pm to 7pm, Jurys Inn Hotel, Gloucester Road, Cheltenham, GL51 0TS

And then on Thursday, June 20, 5.30pm - 9pm, St Mark's C of E Junior School, Robert Burns Avenue, Cheltenham, GL51 6NU.

To find out more email majorprojects@gloucestershire.gov.uk or visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/west-chelt-tis