'Important step' forward for M5 upgrade

The multi-million-pound scheme will provide full access to the M5 in both directions

An extra £20m has been pledged to help plug a funding gap for a major M5 upgrade.

Work on the junction 10 project in Gloucestershire - which will allow drivers to join and leave the M5 in both directions - is due to begin in early 2026.

But the scheme currently faces a funding shortfall after costs soared due to "inflation and extended deadlines".

It is hoped the new £20m pledge by Cheltenham Borough, Tewkesbury Borough, and Gloucester City councils will encourage the government to invest a further £70m into the project.

A Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) report said project costs had soared to £363m since 2023, driven partly by inflation and extended deadlines.

This has resulted in a funding shortfall of about £110m. But local councils have said they remain committed to the project and have asked the government for £70m.

Councillor Julian Tooke, GCC's cabinet member for business, economic development, planning and infrastructure, said the new ringfenced £20m demonstrates to the government that strong regional support exists for the scheme.

"It also brings us a step closer to delivering the infrastructure needed to support new housing, employment and investment in the area – but only if we also get the necessary government support," he added.

Councillor Richard Stanley said the scheme would help tackle congestion and shorten journey times

The £20m has been pledged through the local councils' Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). This is a charge that authorities can place on new developments to help fund infrastructure such as transport improvements, parks, and other public green spaces.

The funds will be held by the CIL joint committee and made available to the county council as the project progresses.

Councillor Richard Stanley, leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council and chair of the CIL joint committee, said the pledge marked an "important step towards driving major growth" in the area.

"With full access to the M5 in both directions, it will be much easier for everyone to travel, work, and thrive here.

"These improvements will also tackle congestion in west-Cheltenham, shorten journey times and improve daily life for thousands of people; and help support better options for sustainable transport," he said.