A MAJOR road repair scheme on the edge of Wellington costing almost £6million is to go ahead following a Government pledge.

As part of a £5billion infrastructure investment to kickstart the UK's economic recovery, the Government is putting up £4.736m for the work on the A38 Chelston Link.

The project, one of 29 local road projects receiving a share of £100m, will receive a further £1m from local funding.

Taunton Deane MP Rebecca Pow said: "I am delighted that Taunton Deane will be one of the very first beneficiaries of the Prime Minister’s New Deal for Britain, kickstarting our recovery from coronavirus.

"The A38 Chelston Link repairs will bring huge benefits to our local area, alleviating traffic problems, reducing congestion, pollution and better connecting our community with the rest of the country.

"Last December I was elected to level up Taunton Deane, and I am pleased to be able to demonstrate the Conservatives’ commitment to doing so."

Somerset County Council leader Cllr David Fothergill, said: "We are delighted that the Government have awarded this significant amount of money for us to be able to improve one of the major road links in the South West.

"We are particularly grateful to Rebecca Pow for her continuing active support in attaining this funding which represents one of the largest allocations from the total £100 million fund."

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: "As the country begins the recovery from Covid-19, we need to get on the front foot and invest in infrastructure in every region to reignite the economy, helping better connect people with work and leisure in the future.

"By investing £100m in local roads and reaffirming our commitment to better connecting communities, we are not just talking about levelling up – but making it happen.!