CREWE Green Link Road - which is expected to create thousands of jobs in the town - was officially opened and christened on Friday.

The £4.9 million one-mile stretch has been named University Way to reflect Manchester Metropolitan

University's development in the town.

It unlocks a mass of employment land with the potential to create thousands of jobs on land owned by the

Duchy of Lancaster. University Way frees Crewe Green Business Park, which is owned by Cheshire County Council and Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council.

When phases two and three are completed, a major regional strategic site and gateway to the North West

will be opened at the south of the A5020.

Once completed, the three sections will join the recently opened A500 Hough Shavington bypass and the

A534 Haslington bypass.

Cheshire County Council chairman Barrie Hardern planted a birch tree to officially mark the road's birth. He said: "This link road will improve the economic competitiveness of Crewe and Cheshire.

"A significant benefit is that this road will provide a vital link between the West End of Crewe, Manchester Metropolitan University Cheshire and the large new employment opportunities."

Following the tree planting ceremony, Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council Mayor Steve Roberts

unveiled a plaque commemorating the road's christening.

Borough council local economy chief Steve Hogben said: "The naming of University Way marks the

recognition of another brick in the wall of a very real and very permanent development for the borough.

"We are proud to be the home of Cheshire's university and welcome the contribution its students, staff and graduates make to the area."