A LONG-awaited junction that could cure Abingdon’s congested roads has proven to be a key political battleground ahead of tomorrow's General Election.

Parliamentary candidates for Oxford West and Abingdon have crossed swords about the proposed new 'diamond junction' at Lodge Hill, each fighting to convince voters they can make it a reality.

The plan to build southern slip roads on the A34 has rumbled on for years, and is particularly coveted by residents concerned about hundreds of new homes in North Abingdon.

The junction would allow vehicles to join the dual-carriageway from north Abingdon, cutting traffic through the town.

Conservative candidate Nicola Blackwood claims the Government has pledged £9.9m towards the scheme, which has previously been costed at £18.4m.

She said housing developer CEG, which is planning to build 950 homes near Dunmore Road, has also committed £5.8m to the junction and agreed not to build until it is in place.

But political rivals cast doubt Ms Blackwood's claims and CEG could not confirm whether or not it had promised the cash.

Both Labour candidate Marie Tidball and Liberal Democrat candidate Layla Moran accused the Conservatives of ‘broken promises’ about infrastructure.

Ms Blackwood said: "I have secured agreement and funding for a full diamond interchange which will help to alleviate congestion in and out of Abingdon, backed up by £10m Government funding.

“It’s very disappointing to see other political parties scaremongering about the Lodge Hill diamond interchange.

"Let me be clear, a full diamond interchange at Lodge Hill will be built.

"Almost £10m is being committed from central Government for the junction, and our local authorities are following procedure to make sure the full diamond interchange is well designed, fit for purpose, and does not hit any stumbling blocks."

Ms Moran said this marks the third time that Ms Blackwood has said funding is secured for Lodge Hill, noting confusion in February when she released and later recalled a statement saying the whole £18m had been pledged by Government.

She said: "I have campaigned vigorously with fellow Lib Dems to ensure that the funding for the southern slips at Lodge Hill is 100 per cent secured before the 950 houses are built in North Abingdon.

"The improvements are desperately needed to reduce congestion across Abingdon and prevent further deterioration of air quality in the town

"This is the third time that Nicola Blackwood has said the money is secured.

"Abingdon residents are clear they are tired of the Conservatives’ broken promises.

"Vague assurances just before elections that then do not materialise is no longer good enough.

"It is time we had a proper solution."

A spokeswoman for Ms Blackwood confirmed the £9.9m referred to a sum announced in January 2015 to expand Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s so-called growth deal with the Government.

Whilst Lodge Hill was explicitly ring-fenced as one of the projects set to benefit from that cash, so were several other major plans including the redevelopment of Oxpens in Oxford.

A further bid by OxLEP to secure Lodge Hill funding as part of a wider £380m deal was snubbed earlier this year when the Government granted just £24m – a sum Labour candidate Ms Tidball described as ‘woeful’.

She said: "Investment in the Lodge Hill junction to create the missing two slip roads is long overdue.

"A Labour Government will establish the National Transformation Fund that will invest £250bn over 10 years in a modern, integrated, accessible and sustainable transport system that is reliable and affordable – ensuring infrastructure projects like this are properly funded.

"What we need is not more promises, but real investment of cash on the ground."

UKIP candidate Alan Harris did not respond to a request for comment.

CEG spokesman Iain Macsween said: "CEG remains committed to making a significant financial contribution towards delivery of the diamond interchange at Lodge Hill.

"We are working with the district and county councils to help ensure this new infrastructure is delivered alongside housing and supporting community facilities on land to the north of Abingdon.

"Funding for this important piece of infrastructure will be provided by contributions from this development, from other allocated sites in the local area and from central government."