WARRINGTON Borough Council will deliver an £8.2 million scheme planned to reduce journey times and increase the 'resilience' of the west Warrington highway network.

'Omega local highway phase three' incorporates a series of improvements to key junctions around the Omega site.

Omega Warrington Ltd (OWL) had an obligation to deliver them as part of its plans for around 1,100 homes.

The early stages have been carried out by OWL, as well as consultant partners, but last year it approached the authority to undertake the work on its behalf.

On Monday at the Town Hall, the executive board voted to accept £8.2 million to deliver the scheme.

Members also agreed to extend the existing Kingswood Road and Burtonwood Road 'widening and junction improvements' construction contract up to £951,000, as well as capital funding of the associated enabling works up to £1.94 million.

The scheme is planned to reduce journey times for motorists.

In his report to members, Cllr Hans Mundry, executive board member for highways, transportation and public realm, said: "The project will provide additional highway capacity, enhanced network resilience and improved pedestrian facilities for the wider west Warrington highway network, complementing other priority transport schemes the council is bringing forward in the next three years.

"The project will accelerate the delivery of a residential housing scheme of circa 1,100 homes in a location which has already been identified as one of the key housing sites for the borough."

Council leader Cllr Terry O'Neill said 'it is a tremendous scheme currently needed in the area'.