Talks over Telford road in £11.8m plans

Changes to the road system in Telford under a planned £11.8m scheme are to be discussed by the council.

Telford & Wrekin Council said it was poised to submit a full business case to the government to secure funding to make the so-called Box Road two way.

It added this would amount to £8.7m, if accepted by the Department for Transport, with other money coming from the council and developers.

The cabinet will be asked to approve submitting the case on Thursday.

The Department for Transport has agreed to put £3.5m towards the £6.5m cost of a smaller programme of sustainable transport initiatives to complement the Box Road plan, the council said. Other money will come from the authority and partners.

The smaller programme includes upgrading the Silkin Way and improving a cycle route between Stafford and Telford.

The scheme also includes implementing a park and ride scheme for the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site and improving walking links between Telford Central railway station and the town centre.