Residents have become “disillusioned” with plans for a new A68 bypass due to delays and a lack of communication, a councillor has warned. 

A proposal to reroute the A68 around Toft Hill, in County Durham, benefited from £20million levelling up cash and came after residents called for a bypass to reduce traffic travelling through the village. 

But there is concern the scheme in its current form omits any mention of the completion of the West Auckland bypass, with locals concerned that by solving one issue in Toft Hill, the new road will create a greater problem in West Auckland.

Now, Durham County Council has forced landowners to allow access under the Highways Act to carry out surveys despite not reaching an agreement. The exact route of the bypass will be revealed following the outcome of surveys and further work. The council says the lack of agreement so far is ‘regrettable’ but it must progress the scheme. 

Read more: Surveys for A68 bypass begin despite no council deal with landowners

The Northern Echo: The new bypass at Toft Hill will divert traffic away from the village onto the A68The new bypass at Toft Hill will divert traffic away from the village onto the A68 (Image: The Northern Echo)

Yet residents argue the current proposal isn’t fit for purpose, and West Auckland Labour councillor Rob Yorke says the plans at present are for ‘half a bypass’. 

He said: “There’s a lot of discontented people in West Auckland who feel forgotten. It’s just a bad plan and a really poor application. It’s great for Toft Hill but it only solves half a problem, and pushes all the traffic through West Auckland. 

“We thought the actual application was lacklustre. What they gave us was half a bypass which only solves half a problem. 

“Despite asking for transparency and a timeline of events, we’re given information at the last minute and we find out when the residents do, which is frustrating. I do ask officers for information but I’m not given it. All of this could have been avoided if they’d chosen a route which was acceptable to everybody.”

Cllr Yorke says residents will continue their campaign for a better proposal but admits there is widespread apathy towards any change. 

“A lot of people feel disillusioned and let down by the council,” he added. “There’s a lot of anger around at the moment and a lot of mistrust aimed at the county council. It’s dragging on and on. The money was approved years ago but here we are without a spade in the ground.”

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said the authority is committed to working with residents to address any concerns. 

“The Toft Hill bypass has long been a priority for local residents, with the current plans and route remaining unchanged over the past 20 years,” she said. 

“We were, therefore, pleased to have been able to secure funding for the project as part of a package of schemes put forward for support through the government’s Levelling Up fund. Not only will the scheme reduce traffic through Toft Hill’s main street, improving road safety and quality of life for residents, but it will also reduce journey times across the wider road network. The construction of the bypass will not have any negative implications for people in West Auckland.

“We are working with local landowners to refine the route and to address any issues of disturbance, and remain committed to working with residents and local members to address any concerns they may have. A full consultation on the proposals will also take place as the plans are finalised.”

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The local MP, Dehenna Davison, has also faced criticism from residents for the lack of progress, but she is determined to see the plans come to fruition. 

She said: "After securing the Government funding for the Toft Hill Bypass that local people have been asking for decades, I am determined to see this project delivered as soon as possible. 

“Whilst not being privy to the council’s specific conversations with landowners, it goes without saying that the Bypass is an absolute priority for the people of Toft Hill and Etherley. I hope these talks will find a quick solution that ensures work starts without any further delays."