Heysham-M6 road link 'could start in July'

The scheme was initially given the go-ahead in 2010

Work on a major road-building project linking Heysham and Morecambe to the M6 could start within months, the Minister for Transport has said.

Simon Burns made the announcement in response to a question from David Morris, Conservative MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale.

The government has to make a final decision on the plans by 19 March and, if approved, work may start in July.

The £123m project could be completed by December 2015.

Mr Morris said it was "excellent news", adding "the road will be an asset to the area and for the economy".

A number of design changes have cut the cost of the scheme from £139m to £123m since original plans were given the go-ahead in 2010.

The Department for Transport will contribute £111m to the redesigned project, with Lancashire County Council funding the remaining £12m.