HOPES for a village bypass have been dealt a severe blow after 40 years of campaigning.

North Yorkshire County Council, backed by residents, have been pressing for a bypass at Killinghall on the A61 Ripon-Harrogate road.

But county highways chief Mike Moore has revealed that the Government will not now back bypasses which merely take traffic out of villages.

To win financial backing, they must also provide appropriate economic regeneration for the area.

Mr Moore said that because of the latest guidance, Killinghall is not being included in the Local Transport Plan for projects between 2006 and 20011.

The news has been greeted with fury by Heather Garnett, county councillor for Killinghall and New Park.

She said: "This means that the scheme for Killinghall, due to start in 2008, is under severe threat.

"It was one of the council's priority schemes.

"In fact, they were just about to start consulting with local people about the route."

Councillor Garnett said: "This is a real blow. Local people have been waiting years for the scheme, being given hope and then being knocked back.

"This time, they really thought it would happen."

Thousands of vehicles a day pass through the community, either on the A61 Ripon-Harrogate road or via the B6161.

Coun Garnett said: "The fumes from heavy vehicles cause dreadful pollution and people are frightened to walk around the village for fear of being knocked over by noisy, speeding vehicles.

"Crossing the road is a nightmare, particularly for children and less mobile members of the population."

Coun Garnett is urging the county council to make a strong protest about the Government's decision and wants residents to give her their reactions.