Bypass will end hols bottleneck

About 21,000 vehicles a day travel through Dobwalls

Work is starting on one of the worst traffic blackspots for holidaymakers heading to the West Country.

About 21,000 vehicles a day come through Dobwalls, just west of Liskeard, Cornwall. During the tourism season, that increases by 20% or more.

A £42m bypass will take 90% of the traffic to the north on a 1.5 mile (3km) stretch of dual carriageway.

The village has been waiting 60 years for a bypass which was given the go-ahead following a public inquiry.

'Very excited'

Viv Giles, who has lived in the village since 1929 said: "It's going to be a good thing.

"I have to cross the main road to get to the post office and you have to take your life in your own hands.

"In the 1930s there were four cars in the village. A few years ago the traffic volume was 2,000 an hour and that's increased by 5%."

Parish council clerk Berni Yeatman said: "The village can't wait.

"We are very excited and we are hoping that within 18 months we shall be driving on the new road."

Terry Copplestone, whose family owns the Looe Mills Eating House which is being demolished to make way for the bypass, said: "It's very sad.

"There was no need really. They should have found a way to get round it without having to take this down."

The family was paid compensation two years ago, but Mr Copplestone said: "Money is not everything. It's nice to have but there is more to life."