PLANS for a long-awaited bypass around a former pit village have received public support.

The proposed bypass for Chilton, near Ferryhill, was first suggested in 1939, but now, 62 years later, it is beginning to look as if it might become a reality.

Durham County Council has received government approval for a £7.6m western route between Rushyford and West Close that would take A167 traffic away from the centre of the village.

The council hopes to start work on the road in 2004, the year after it takes over responsibility for the former Great North Road.

Earlier this year, the council distributed leaflets and held exhibitions on the proposals.

The council's executive committee heard that 81 per cent of people responding to the leafleting exercise supported the bypass on the proposed route, with 16 per cent against and three per cent who were uncertain.

One of the biggest concerns raised was the demolition of 14 homes in West Chilton Terrace to make way for the road.

The council's environment and technical services director, Chris Tunstall, said it would be uneconomic to build a road that would totally avoid the built-up area. He said: "Property demolition cannot be avoided on the preferred route.

"The number of properties to be demolished has been determined by the need to maintain an acceptable separation of remaining properties from traffic on the proposed bypass.

"In addition to compensation equal to the market value of the property, all reasonable fees and disturbance costs are met by the council. And a home loss payment, for the distress and discomfort caused, would be paid in most cases.''

He said people who wanted to remain in the terrace could be offered homes there if other residents moved out.

The council will now commission an environmental assessment and hopes to submit a planning application for the scheme in July