FUNDING for the controversial £315 million Mottram/Tintwistle bypass has been deferred until 2015 because of spiralling costs.
The Regional Leaders' Forum for the north west, 4NW, will today advise the Department for Transport to defer funding for five years after the cost almost doubled from £183 million.
They decided the bypass was the lowest priority of the four schemes and will postpone it until they can bring the budget within the allowed 20 per cent overspend.
Simon Crawshaw, spokesman for 4NW, said: "The forum decided to defer one scheme for a longer period rather than all four for a shorter period. It was a tough decision but it was one we had to take to make our other schemes viable."
The proposed 3.5 mile bypass has already cost £13.7 million since 2004 on design, consultation and an ongoing public inquiry.
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