PLANS to improve a major trunk road through Bicester have been granted £6.7m government funding.

The successful bid by Cherwell District Council for improving Howes Lane was announced yesterday as part of the government's Industrial Strategy ploughing £5billion into local authority projects.

It is hoped the funding provided to the district will ease the pressure on Howes Lane and improve capacity for the busy road which leads towards the developing eco town at NW Bicester.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond, said: “Today marks the first step of the multi-billion pound investment we announced at the Budget to help build the homes our country needs.

"This fund finances vital infrastructure such as roads, schools and bridges, which will kick-start housing development in some of Britain’s highest-demand areas."

Residents have long been concerned about the continuing growth of Bicester and the 6,000-home eco town at NW Bicester fearing Howes Lane cannot keep pace.

Nearby residents say the road is often busy with both cars and lorries and is not built to be such a major trunk road.

The council hopes to realign the road creating an improved route that can cater to more vehicles as Bicester grows.

Housing Secretary Sajid Javid said:“Our priority is building the homes this country desperately needs. This first wave of investment totalling £866 million will help get up to 200,000 homes off the ground, making a huge difference to communities across the country."