FORMAL plans to build a new by-pass to divert motorists from traffic-clogged roads are due to be submitted later this month.

The move comes after the public overwhelmingly threw its support behind the proposed Thornton to Switch Island link road.

During a public consultation on the scheme, 575 questionnaires were returned to Sefton council detailing local’s views on the road.

More than 90% said they thought building the £21m road should be one of the council’s priorities.

But Sefton leader Cllr Tony Robertson said he is concerned the scheme could be axed because of cuts to central government transport spending.

Cllr Robertson told the Daily Post: “There’s never been significant opposition to be honest. It’s one of those no-brainer projects.

“It’s quite obviously required because of the traffic which comes along.

“To get to or from Switch Island, the only two alternatives are to go through Maghull and Lydiate or Netherton and Thornton, both of which can be troublesome at times.

“It’s an obvious link in the road network that’s always been missing.”

The project was first mooted decades ago but was killed off by the Government of the day.