A BUSY bypass will blight the lives of a couple whose dream home is yards from the carriageway, a public inquiry heard yesterday.

Andrew and Vera Wilson knew nothing of Durham County Council's plans for the route around West Auckland when they moved to the area five years ago, they told the hearing in West Auckland Methodist Church.

The inquiry was called after they objected to the £5m road, which crosses the A68 outside their house in Hummerbeck.

Mr Wilson, 58, asked inspector John Watson to recommend that it should be moved further north, away from their garden which is a haven for birds and animals.

He said: "Within metres of our property there will be a busy roundabout taking thousands of vehicles a day.

"We were horrified when we learned of the plans. We thought we had our perfect retirement home, but we will be in the right angle between two busy routes, the A68 and the A688.

"We understand the need for a bypass, but all I can do is speak from my heart. I feel very sorry for myself and my family."

The 1.5-mile stretch is the second stage of a route between Tindale Crescent and the Oakley Service Station, in Staindrop Road, West Auckland.

Durham County Council says it will halve traffic on the A688 through Tindale, St Helen Auckland and West Auckland, where 41 accidents have been reported over the past three years.

Sir William Whitfield told the inquiry that heavy traffic was causing major damage to his Grade I-listed 17th Century home St Helen's Hall.

He said: "There is a desperate need for a bypass. The people in all three villages desperately need relief."

West Auckland resident Hazel Charlton said the best solution would be to build a third stage bypassing Toft Hill.

She said: "We have tried for 30 years to get a zebra crossing because it is very difficult to get across the A688. This will not take away all the heavy traffic on the A68."

Mr Watson will report to the Secretary of State for Transport, who will make the final decision.