Plans for improvements to Junction 10 of the M5 near Cheltenham have received support during public consultations.

The proposals would see slip roads, which are currently only north facing, in both directions to improve access to Cheltenham and the proposed cyber park, as well as ease pressure on local roads.

The consultation, following Gloucestershire County Council securing £249million in funding, also asked for views on a proposed new road linking the junction to west Cheltenham, an upgraded A38/A4019 junction at Coombe Hill and widening of the A4019.

More than 80 per cent of respondents to the consultation agreed the scheme is necessary.

Councillor Nigel Moor, cabinet member for environment and planning, said: "I'd like to offer a big thank you to all those who took the time to give us their views and I'm really pleased to see such strong support for the scheme.

"This project is vital for our county to open up land for housing and jobs and to help to improve air quality in Cheltenham by reducing congestion on our local roads."

Preferred options and a full consultation report are due in mid-2021 with statutory consultation expected later in the year ahead of a planning application.

The upgraded junction is scheduled to open in 2024.

Highways England programmed leader Andrew Alcorn said: "We welcome the findings of the consultation.

"Getting the views of road users, the local community and businesses is crucial to designing a project that will offer the best value, provide benefits for all, while reducing the impact on the local communities and the environment."