A LONG-AWAITED road scheme could begin next year following a successful bid for Government cash.

Durham County Council has submitted a planning application for the £6.2m A688 Wheatley Hill to Bowburn link road.

The road would run from a proposed new roundabout on the B6291, south of the A1(M) Bowburn interchange, near Coxhoe, to another roundabout at Cassop Moor.

Two bridges would be built along the route, one crossing the existing road leading to Quarrington Hill and another to carry bridleway number 38.

As part of the scheme the C12a road from Cassop Moor would be improved to the north, as far as the staggered T-junction on the A181 at Byers Garth. In turn, this would be converted into a roundabout.

The latter section is regarded as an improvement to an existing road and, therefore, does not require planning approval.

To ensure stability construction of the road would involve removing shallow, partially-worked coal seams under a short section close to the B6291.

Progress is being made on the project thanks to a successful funding bid to the Government through the county council's five-year Local Transport Plan.

Providing all planning and legal hurdles are cleared, work should begin on site late next summer.

Bob Pendlebury, county council cabinet member for the environment, said it would improve links to east Durham and aid regeneration of an area still recovering from pit closures.

"The new road will also remove a substantial volume of heavy goods vehicles from unsuitable local roads in residential areas, such as Bowburn, so improving road safety and the local environment.

"The benefits of the scheme are multi-fold. If the proposed rail freight interchange at Tursdale goes ahead, this route will provide improved access, so promoting the increased use of the rail network for freight and reducing road-borne freight loads."

Members of the public can view copies of the planning application, the scheme lay-out plan and supporting statement at Bowburn branch library, during normal opening hours.

Comments, to be submitted by February 18, can be made in writing to the Director of Economic Development and Planning (for the attention of John Byers), Durham County Council, County Hall, Durham, DH1 5UF