Consultation on new bypass 'to open after election'

A public consultation on plans to reroute a major County Durham road is due to open in July, after facing a string of delays.

The proposed scheme for the A68 would see a new bypass around Toft Hill, near West Auckland, although the exact route has not been revealed.

It follows a campaign from local residents calling for a reduction in traffic and to prevent large vehicles and HGVs travelling through the village.

Durham County Council carried out surveys for the scheme in 2023 but admitted progress has been delayed by the general election.

Previously planned public consultations were rescheduled three times in November and December, and a two-day event at Toft Hill Community Centre was scrapped.

Mark Jackson, the council's head of transport and contract services, said it was working on materials "with a view to going live later in July", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"We would like to reassure residents that we are fully committed to the development and delivery of the proposed Toft Hill and Etherley Bypass scheme and understand how important it is to them," he added.

Robert Potts, a Conservative councillor for Evenwood, which covers Toft Hill, said he was encouraged a date had been set.

"I have received overwhelming support for the bypass from the local community, which will benefit greatly from this project, with a reduction in the dangers of large streams of traffic and pollution," he added.

Mr Jackson said the council - which is run as an alliance - would announce "full details after the election".

"Large schemes of this nature require considerable work, including surveys, options appraisals and value for money checks before full public engagement can be carried out," he added.

Follow BBC Tees on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].