WORK starts in August on a £1.4m bypass which should boost business in a market town.

Final objections to the new route through Crook, County Durham, have been dropped, meaning that a public inquiry will not be needed and contractors can start in about ten weeks time.

The bypass runs south from a new roundabout on West Road along a former railway line to Prospect Road, which will be widened.

It will make access easier and quicker for businesses and reduce congestion in the market place area.

Planners say it will help with the regeneration of the western end of the town and allow access to new housing on the 18-acre Eclipse site.

Crook County Councillor Bob Pendlebury said: "The bypass will be very much welcomed and will reduce traffic in Commercial Street, especially. It will be helpful in creating interest in the industrial estate and improve access to the new houses."