The A556 links the M6 and M56

The proposals to upgrade the A556, which links the M56 and the M6 in Knutsford, have been shelved.

But a �90m bypass around the villages of Mottram, Hollingworth and Tintwistle in Greater Manchester, aimed at easing congestion has been given the green light.

The government made the announcements as part of a �775m package of road improvements focusing on major bottlenecks.

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling said the plans would "provide welcome relief" for people living near the problem routes.

The M56 and M6 are already connected, but most people travelling from Manchester to Birmingham use the A556 in Knutsford as it is significantly shorter.

'Reducing' accidents

It had been announced the road would be upgraded to motorway standards, but this will not now go ahead.

Residents living in Mottram, Hollingworth and Tintwistle have campaigned for years for a bypass, as thousands of cars and lorries use the route through the villages to get to and from Sheffield.

Announcing the package Mr Darling said: "Today's announcement is a further step in our plans to deal with the most congested points on the road network.

"We remain committed to tackling congestion and reducing the number of accidents on our roads.