A COMMUNITY'S 50-year wait for a bypass has ended after a government inspector approved a £5m new route.

The A688 West Auckland bypass will reduce traffic through the centre of the village, improve road safety and open up business links between the county and the west of England.

The bypass was approved by Transport Secretary Alistair Darling following a public inquiry by inspector John Watson, held in the village, last July.

The 1.5-mile stretch is the second stage of a route between Tindale Crescent and the Oakley Service Station in Staindrop Road, West Auckland, passing through Tindale Crescent, St Helen Auckland and West Auckland.

Supporters believe it will attract new industry and improve access.

West Auckland councillor Sonny Douthwaite, chairman of the county's highways committee, said: "It will benefit the whole of West Auckland. We have waited for this for years. It has been talked about for as long as I can remember, for more than 50 years at least. It can't come a minute too soon."

But the decision was a major blow for Andrew and Vera Wilson, whose new retirement home will be at the junction of the new road and A68, at Hummerbeck.