City bypass inquiry in September

The bypass is aimed at easing traffic congestion and aiding business

The public local inquiry into the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) will start in September, it has been revealed.

The inquiry will be held in the Hilton Aberdeen Treetops Hotel from Tuesday, 9 September, and is expected to last between eight and 10 weeks.

The hearing will focus on technical and environmental aspects of the route.

Ministers have appointed reporters David Gordon and Scott Ferrie to conduct the inquiry.

The Scottish Government said the inquiry was necessary because of the thousands of public responses received.

A completion date of 2012 has been targeted for the bypass, which aims to ease traffic and improve business.

Aberdeen North SNP MSP Brian Adam said of the inquiry date: "I welcome this news and await 9 September with much anticipation."

William Walton, chairman of campaign group Road Sense, urged interested parties to attend a public meeting on Friday at 1900 BST at the International School.