A NEW perimeter road aimed at reducing traffic at a Bicester trouble-spot looks set to open a year early.

Countryside Properties has revealed the road, from the new roundabout on the A41 across new housing estate Kingsmere to Howes Lane, could open by the end of next month.

Construction of the road started last spring and it was originally expected to open in spring 2013 at the earliest.

But with only minor works to be completed it could be approved within weeks.

It is hoped the link road will relieve traffic congestion to the south west of Bicester caused by shoppers heading to Bicester Village.

Mark Gallagher, director of strategic land for Countryside Properties, said: “Currently we are obliged to open the perimeter road by the 450th house completion, which could be two or three years away.

“However, we’re considering if we will be able to bring the opening forward, alth-ough we are still undertaking works in this locality.

“I anticipate a decision will be made in the next week. “The earliest date would be towards the end of April.”

The move has been welcomed by people across the town.

Sallie Wright, who has been campaigning for improvements to the Pingle Drive junction, said: “I think it’s absolutely brilliant news.

“We will still have the Bicester Village traffic coming down the A41 but it means people who live in Bicester will be able to use the peripheral road to get to their homes.

“It’s not going to solve the traffic problems, but it will make it easier for people who live in Bicester.”

On Boxing Day, unprecedented numbers of motorists visited Bicester Village, bringing gridlock to the surrounding roads. People abandoned their cars on the A41, forcing it to close for a time, and swamped nearby residential streets to park.

Town council Conservative leader James Porter said: “We’re delighted it’s opening a year in advance and look forward to it alleviating some of the traffic problems we have experienced in the past.”

Miranda Markham, of Bicester Village, said: “Bicester Village very much welcomes the benefits the completion of the perimeter road will bring, particularly for the local community.”

Oxfordshire County Council spokesman Marcus Mabberley said: “This road is not at present public highway and is therefore not currently maintained by the county council.

“Council officers are however continuing discussions with the developer about adopting the road and opening it to the public in the near future.”

Countryside Properties, the Kingsmere developer, has planning permission for 1,585 homes, a hotel, park-and-ride, schools, a pub, a care home, shops, a community centre and a sports village at the site off Oxford and Middleton Stoney roads.