Public inquiry into bypass begins

A public inquiry into the proposed Westbury bypass in Wiltshire has begun.

The £33m road scheme, which is largely funded by the government, would divert the A350 away from the town centre.

People in Westbury, who began campaigning for a bypass 30 years ago, have complained about the number of lorries travelling through the town.

But environmentalists say the bypass is unnecessary because traffic is not increasing. The independent inquiry is expected to last 24 days.

The hearing was delayed from April to give campaigners a chance to put their cases together.