A long-awaited public consultation on plans to reroute the A68 in County Durham and build a new bypass is due to open next month after several delays. 

The proposed scheme at Toft Hill, near West Auckland, came after residents called for a bypass to reduce traffic, and prevent large vehicles and HGVs travelling through the village. 

Previously planned public consultations were rescheduled three times in November and December 2023 and a two-day event at Toft Hill Community Centre was scrapped. 

Now, Durham County Council has admitted progress has been delayed by July’s general election but hopes to consult residents soon. 

Mark Jackson, Durham County Council’s head of transport and contract services, said: “We would like to reassure residents that we are fully committed to the development and delivery of the proposed Toft Hill and Etherley Bypass scheme and understand how important it is to them.”

The exact route of the bypass will be revealed in due course. Council officials carried out surveys for the scheme last year.

Robert Potts, a Conservative councillor for Evenwood which covers Toft Hill, said he is keen to see work start after repeated delays. 

“It is disappointing that for reasons unknown to myself, the previous consultations have been cancelled. I am aware that the process to get to the point of actually building the bypass, has been far from simple, but I am encouraged that a consultation date has now been set for July.

“A number of people have contacted me, concerned about the project's delay and some that it may not happen at all, hopefully, we will soon be given a date when work will commence.

“I have received overwhelming support for the bypass from the local community, which will benefit greatly from this project, with a reduction in the dangers of large streams of traffic and pollution.”

It is one of three schemes in the Bishop Auckland constituency to have benefited from £20m government levelling up cash. And while a new attraction has opened at Locomotion, Shildon, and work is underway to renovate Whorlton Bridge, progress with the bypass has faced several delays. 

Local frustration with the delays led to some residents becoming “disillusioned” with the bypass plans, nearby Labour councillors warned in 2023. 

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The Northern Echo: Cllr Rob Yorke with campaigners, calling for the bypass to be extended to West AucklandCllr Rob Yorke with campaigners, calling for the bypass to be extended to West Auckland (Image: The Northern Echo)

Mr Jackson added: “Large schemes of this nature require considerable work, including surveys, options appraisals and value-for-money checks before full public engagement can be carried out.

“We were working towards carrying out a public consultation this month, however the calling of the General Election means that is no longer appropriate so we are now preparing consultation materials with a view to going live later in July.

“We will be announcing full details after the election.”