One plan is to build a new toll motorway near to the M6

He met environmental activists, politicians and business leaders to discuss the impact of two proposals.

One involves widening the M6 to four lanes in each direction. The other would involve a new four-lane toll motorway near to the existing M6.

Mr Ladyman said one of the options will be pursued but he has yet to decide which one it will be.

'Struggling economically'

Stafford's MP David Kidney, who invited Mr Ladyman to the town, said: "The minister was very good in receiving the delegation from local councils that I took to see him in his London office in September.

"But the best way for him to gauge public opinion locally, and the most effective way for local people to influence his thinking, is through this form of direct engagement."

He said the Department of Transport will choose between the two plans next summer and then hold a consultation on the preferred option.

Mr Ladyman said the existing M6 is at or above capacity.

"It's lack of capacity is one of the reasons why the North West is struggling economically at the moment," he said.

He said no decision had yet been taken and if there were more popular alternatives, then he would look into them.