Start of Cornish bypass inquiry

A public inquiry into plans for a multi-million pound bypass in Cornwall opens on Tuesday.

The inquiry into the ambitious £33.5m scheme on the A38 at Dobwalls is expected to last for a week.

Almost 200 people have expressed support for the scheme which they have said will ease congestion, but there has been some last minute opposition.

Organisers said the inquiry will hear from all parties before a decision is made by the government.

Representatives from the Highways Agency will present proposals for the project and an independent inspector, appointed by the Planning Inspectorate Agency, will listen to any objections and alternative suggestions.

Supporters have said a bypass would remove 90% of traffic from the centre of the village.

If the scheme is given the go-ahead, construction could begin next year.

The inquiry, being held at Dobwalls Memorial Hall, opens at 1000 GMT.