Town's bypass delayed until 2015

Residents and businesses owners in Melton Mowbray have been told they will have to wait until 2015 for a bypass to be built.

Leicestershire County Council said although the bypass project was progressing, new government spending plans meant re-applying for cash.

On Tuesday a building package designed to stimulate the economy was announced and funding priorities could change.

The council must make another case for government cash in February.

Expensive project

It was originally hoped the bypass would be built soon after 2011.

Ian Drummond, assistant director of transportation at Leicestershire County Council, said they could not bring the bypass plans forward.

"We've got to get the money for it and it's as simple as that.

"Leicestershire County Council agrees entirely that Melton needs a bypass and we're working very hard to get that.

"It's an expensive project, which will cost well over £30m and that money has to come from the government allocation for the East Midlands."

Projects will be re-prioritised following the government's announcement and Melton must wait to see where it will be ranked - but the earliest date would be 2015.

Owner of the Pork Pie Shop in Melton Mowbray, Stephen Hallam, said the town was desperate for a bypass.

"We like traffic to bring people in. A lot of the work I do is attracting travel and tour operators to visit Melton but they don't want to sit in traffic for 50 minutes when they get here.

"We only see people who have put up with the congestion and come here - how many people have turned away?"