WORK will start later this year on a multi-million pound scheme to improve one of Northwich's busiest roundabouts.

Plans were announced in 2013 to alter Chesterway roundabout but these were axed in December last year while an alternative idea put forward by objectors was considered.

Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC), has completed its review of the objectors' scheme but said the alternative layout would not be viable due to cost and technical issues.

It has amended its original proposals for the roundabout, at the junction of Chesterway, Leicester Street, New Warrington Road and Station Road, and said it will work with neighbouring traders to reduce the impact of the scheme.

Cllr Brian Clarke, CWAC's cabinet member for economic development and infrastructure, said: "Our officers carried out a detailed assessment of the alternative proposals but the significantly increased costs and technical issues associated with implementing this scheme meant it was not viable.

"We have taken the opportunity to review our own scheme to identify how we can address areas of concern to local traders, in particular, the access and parking arrangements to the central parking area and for properties on Station Road.

"We are confident that our proposals provide an effective, safe and robust scheme which is good value for money and will significantly improve the traffic flow.

"We will continue to work closely with local traders and residents as we move towards starting work.

"We expect utility diversion works to get underway later in the summer ahead and the main contract works to start later in the year."

The aim of the scheme, to be paid for by £3.4 million Government 'pinch point' funding, is to increase the size of the roundabout to cope with future levels of traffic and provide pedestrian crossing facilities.

Cllr Paul Dolan, CWAC ward councillor for Winnington and Castle, said: "Improvements to Leicester Street roundabout are vital to ensure that the town can cope with the extra traffic generated by new retail and leisure developments such as Barons Quay, Memorial Court and the Lion Salt Works, and for pedestrians and cyclists to continue to safely navigate the roads.

"We appreciate that some local businesses may have concerns but we will be working with individual traders to minimise any disruption, and will be keeping them informed as the scheme progresses."

CWAC withdrew the Side Roads Order required for the previous scheme just two days before a public inquiry into it.

The amended scheme does not require a Side Roads Order.