CHRIS Green has written to Bolton Council in a bid to secure funding for the long-awaited Westhoughton Bypass.

The Bolton West MP is among those campaigning for a bypass road to be built to relieve pressure on the town’s overcrowded roads and wants the council to apply for a share of a new government fund.

Earlier this year, councillors voted to approve the principle of creating a bypass road, the idea for which was first mooted in the 1960s.

Previous plans would have seen the road, known as the A5225, built from the M6 at Orrell to the M61 at Chequerbent.

Chris Grayling, the transport secretary, recently announced a multi-billion pound funding pot for major road projects.

In his letter to the council, Mr Green said: “I am writing to urge you to apply for this fund for the A5225 in the autumn and I would be happy to submit a supporting letter for this application.

“I would also be willing to meet with ministers to ensure that Bolton is prioritised for this funding.

“I am committed to working with Bolton Council to ensure that this much needed bypass goes ahead. I look forward to hearing from you.”

He added that the bypass should be built to cater for the current number of cars on the road, not to allow new housing estates to be built.