VILLAGERS have backed plans for a £5m bypass that will divert traffic from their homes, but say there are still a few minor details that need tackling.

In a public meeting at West Auckland Methodist Church this week residents agreed the scheme was desperately needed.

But some shared concerns that areas such as Darlington Road and Copeland Road could get even more traffic as motorists found new short cuts through the village.

Other worries included the widening of a footpath between West Auckland and Hummerbeck, and the number of laybys introduced by the scheme.

One resident said: "We do not want any laybys at all. We have trouble with travellers camping in the village as it is without giving them a layby to stay in."

Another said that problems with anti-social behaviour could also increase if laybys were added.

Brian Race, Highways Engineer for Durham County Council, assured those at the meeting that the scheme was still going through the consultation process and that all their concerns would be taken on board.

The bypass would link with the first stage, joining the St Helen Industrial Estate with the A68 on the south-west outskirts of West Auckland

Work is scheduled to begin next autumn, subject to planning approval.