£30m bypass public inquiry halted

Work is due to start early in 2007

A public inquiry into a planned £30m bypass to relieve congestion in Cumbria has been adjourned after three days.

The Highways Agency believes the proposed 5Km, Parton to Lillyhall bypass would reduce traffic in Distington, Common End and Howgate.

An inquiry to hear those for and against the plan was due to last for two weeks, but has been postponed.

The inquiry inspector wants to question three landowners who were unavailable to give evidence to the hearing.

The planned bypass would also boost the economic revival of west Cumbria, the Highways Agency has said.

Officials have also said the route has been designed to fit in with its surroundings and minimise impact.

'Good news'

But local residents against the move believe the dual carriageway would be used like a race track and that hundreds of acres of farmland would become the subject of compulsory purchase orders.

The route includes a rural valley, two nearby ancient monuments at Hayes Castle and Moresby Hall, along with listed buildings and historic sites and monuments.

An agency spokesman said: "Improving the route will increase journey times and safety and is good news for drivers in west Cumbria."

The proposed route will be built to the west, bypassing the villages of Distington, Common End and Howgate before rejoining the A595 at Parton.

The public inquiry, at Lakes College at Lillyhall, will resume next year.