It's all systems go for the £220million overhaul of Junction 10 of the M5 Motorway after government funding for the all-ways junction was approved.

The new junction and improvements to the A4019 will support areas of development to the north and west of Cheltenham, including the landmark Cyber Central scheme.

Funding through the Homes England Housing Infrastructure Fund was confirmed at yesterday's Budget delivered by chancellor Rishi Sunak

It means that traffic will be allowed to enter the motorway going south from the junction and leave the northbound carriageway, providing another route into Cheltenham.

In a statement, Cheltenham Borough Council said the new junction would "boost economic growth and provide more jobs, as well as helping to improve local roads for the benefit of the entire county."

"When the new junction is in place those travelling south from north west Cheltenham will be able to join the motorway without travelling across the town to junction 11, reducing congestion and improving journey times.

"The town's environment will also receive a boost as traffic will be reduced on unsuitable urban roads.

"To meet the funding conditions, and the challenging delivery programme, the council will now hit the ground running following months of preparations.

"The staff costs for a new dedicated project team to deliver this hugely significant scheme were included as part of the bid so recruitment will start soon."

A public consultation is set to start in summer 2020 with an exact location for the new motorway junction being announced later in the year. The upgraded junction is anticipated to be open in 2024.

Cllr Nigel Moor, cabinet member for environment and planning, said: "This is fabulous news for Cheltenham and for Gloucestershire.

"This junction 10 upgrade won't just cut congestion and cut traffic in Cheltenham. It also paves the way for affordable housing, for cyber jobs and for the future of central Gloucestershire.

"I want to thank the Chancellor for this investment in our county - which will pay a rich return to all of us in the years to come."

The county council will run a competitive procurement process to secure all the necessary contracts to build the new junction. Further information is available at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/j10