CONTRACTORS working for the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) begin investigation work this week to develop a £10.5m Northern Quarter Spine Road in Cinderford.

The investigations will provide the in depth technical information needed to shape detailed plans for the road and college developments.

Following the demolition and clearance of most of the buildings on the former Northern United colliery site earlier this year, this is another big step towards creating 1,200 jobs and unlocking £100m in investment for the district with an ambitious, education-led regeneration project.

The investigation work is expected to last until the end of next month.

It will cover the entire route of the proposed spine road. The new road junctions are proposed at the entrance to the Northern United site on the A4136 and Forest Vale Industrial Park at its junction with Newtown Road and Broadmoor Road.

For the full story, read The Forester.