SUPPORT has been pouring in for a campaign to build a new M4 junction near Westerleigh to help relieve pressure on the roads around Yate and Chipping Sodbury.

The Gazette last week launched a petition, in conjunction with Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall, for a Junction 18a connecting the M4 with the A4174 Avon Ring Road and already plenty of motorists have spoken in favour of the link.

So far, 115 people have signed the online petition calling on the Department of Transport to deliver a new junction close to the Lyde Green roundabout for Westerleigh and Emersons Green on the Avon Ring Road.

Supporters from Yate, Chipping Sodbury, Old Sodbury, Codrington and Iron Acton as well as residents of Emerson’s Green, Stoke Gifford and Bristol city centre have written their thoughts on the M4 Link, which it is estimated would cost £50million.

John Curtis, from Codrington, said: “The new junction should help reduce traffic through Codrington and put it on the motorway where it should be.”

Kimberley Carter, from Yate, said: “I live and work within the surrounding areas and the congestion getting to and from work 11 miles away is horrendous, even during school holidays.

“This would ease congestion and give commuters like myself an alternate route.”

Terry Nicholls, from Iron Acton, said Lyde Green where 2,500 houses are currently under construction desperately needs the link.

Joanne Greenaway, from Yate, said: “I believe it will bring jobs to the area in addition to easing heavy traffic and large vehicles through villages.”

Scott Sheppard, from Bristol, said: “It would help with congestion on the M32 and all around Filton and Hambrook.

“With the Lyde Green development in Emerson’s Green it is needed more than ever. It would relieve a huge amount of traffic on the ring road with commuters trying to get on the M4 and M5.”

Mr Hall, who spoke about the benefits of the scheme in parliament on July 7, said the link was especially needed now with houses under construction at Lyde Green and 3,000 more planned for Yate.

“Part of the solution is the construction of a Junction 18a, giving motorists an effective and quick route to the M4 and creating new capacity to absorb the traffic which will be created by the new housing developments and growing businesses of the area," he said.

“While there would still be a large amount of commuters using the same stretch of road, the pressure on the A4174 would be greatly relieved.”

South Gloucestershire Council has agreed to fund an £80,000 feasibility study and an independent study is being carried out and will be launched at the House of Commons on September 16.

To view and sign the Gazette petition go to chn.ge/1OwON1Z