A long-awaited public consultation on plans for a bypass in County Durham has been announced. 

Durham County Council has revealed plans for the proposed A68 bypass for Toft Hill and High Etherley. The proposed scheme near West Auckland was first mooted after residents called for a bypass to reduce traffic and prevent large vehicles and HGVs from travelling through the village. 

The road is described as a key freight route in the region carrying more than 7,5000 vehicles daily. 

Residents are asked to share their views on the proposal, including five possible routes and whether the bypass is needed. 

More than 1,000 homes have received letters outlining the proposed routes with detailed information on each option. Local parish councils and landowners have also been consulted. 

Comments will then be used to determine whether the bypass will be built. 

Elizabeth Scott, cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “We are considering options which could divert traffic away from Toft Hill and High Etherley as the A68 is a key freight route which carries more than 7,500 vehicles per day through the area. This level of traffic creates several issues including congestion, noise, and air pollution in residential areas, as well as impacting pedestrians and cyclists.”

Plans for the bypass are 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 in 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. 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. 

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And earlier this year, the local authority admitted progress on the scheme had been delayed by July’s general election.

Cllr Scott added: “This consultation is an opportunity for residents living in the area to have their say on whether they want a bypass, and their preferred option for it. We are looking for views from people based on their knowledge of the area, and all comments will be considered so that we can use the feedback to inform our next steps and which route option, if any, is taken forward.”

The consultation process is open until 5pm on Friday, November 29. Click here to take part in the consultation and for further details on how to give your views.