LONG-awaited A40 slip roads that will have a 'massive effect' on traffic in Witney are a step closer to becoming reality.

Oxfordshire County Council's cabinet last week agreed the land acquisition process to build slip roads on the west side of Shores Green, which connects Oxford Hill and the A40.

Design work is set to begin this summer to help identify the land needed for the slip roads.

The improvements are expected to ease town centre traffic and reduce pollution on Bridge Street, one of two areas in West Oxfordshire falling short of national air quality standards.

Read again: Calls to arrest district's air pollution 'crisis'

County council leader, Ian Hudspeth, said: "This is a planned approach to the improvements to the A40 and access to Witney itself.

"First, there was the investment in Ducklington Lane, increasing the capacity at that junction.

"Next, it was the A40 Downs Road roundabout, meaning HGVs would be using that as opposed to the Ducklington Lane.

"Now, we're moving onto Shores Green and delivering increased capacity, so residents will be able to access Witney from both east and west ends."

In January, West Oxfordshire District Council said the slip roads could cost up to £7m, but the county council said it could only estimate the cost once feasibility design work had finished.

Read again: Campaigners want slip roads at Shores Green

The organisation aims to have the scheme on the ground 'in the next three to four years'.

Shores Green lies in the East Witney Strategic Development Area, which is earmarked for 450 homes from 2021/22 in the district council's local plan.

A district council spokesman said: "The improvements to the Shores Green A40 junction are identified as a key priority in the district council’s local plan and also the county council’s local transport plan.

"It is imperative that the project is brought forward in a timely manner and the decision taken by the county council is vital in this respect.”

The 'Build Shores Green Witney Now' campaign was set to present a petition of 1,300 signatures at Wednesday's district council meeting, but this will now happen at a later date.

Campaign organiser, Duncan Enright, said: "This relatively small development will have a massive effect on traffic in Witney. This will change the traffic flow at a stroke."