WORK finally got underway this week for the construction of a new road in Cinderford following a high court judge’s refusal to allow protesters to seek a judicial review.

Tuesday’s formal traditional cutting the sod ceremony symbolises the start of the scheme that will unlock more than £100m in future investment in the area and allow access to the new Gloucestershire College site.

Councillor Graham Morgan, district councillor for Cinderford West and chairman of the Cinderford Regeneration Board, said: “It is great to see work is beginning here.

This is a fantastic investment for Cinderford, and I know everyone is committed to making sure the new spine road is built in a sensitive and sustainable manner."

Cllr Patrick Molyneux, leader of the Forest of Dean District Council, said: “The start of the works on the access road is a significant leap forward for our regeneration plans in Cinderford.

"The project will see £100m investment for the benefit of local residents and the district’s economy.”

Cllr Nigel Moor, cabinet member for planning and infrastructure at Gloucestershire County Council said: “This may be just the beginning of the work, but it is a truly exciting time for Cinderford and the wider area of the Forest.”

Additional work will take place in other phases with the work eventually reaching the A4136.

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Gloucestershire County Council appointed Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd to build phase one of the spine road for the Cinderford Northern Quarter scheme.