Residents demand action after bypass plan scrapped

Villagers are calling on a council to rethink its decision to scrap plans for a long-awaited bypass, after highways bosses removed it from their transport plan.

For years, residents of Farthinghoe in Northamptonshire have campaigned for relief from the A422 traffic that congests the village, arguing it is not only a nuisance but a danger to life.

This month, Conservative-run West Northamptonshire Council announced a bypass would not be included in its Local Transport Plan (LTP) - a document outlining transport priorities for the next 20 years - because of a "low economic case".

Wendy Hancock, who lives on the main road, described the traffic as "complete chaos".

"My front door is actually bricked up on the inside because you can't use it – it would be too dangerous," she told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Parish councillor John Grant added that "you take your life in your hands" when walking around one of the main bends through the village.

He said "nobody with a pram would dare walk down there".

The council had been working on preliminary designs for the bypass since 2020, with cost estimates for the road between £28.5m and £33.75m.

However, it has since stated it would not be delivered before 2045 and has instead proposed a traffic mitigation scheme.

Mick Morris, the parish council chairman, criticised the local authority for failing to follow up on a promised weight restriction study.

"Are these the actions of a professional and responsible council? I think not," he said.

South Northamptonshire MP Sarah Bool, Conservative, acknowledged residents' disappointment and urged all parties to work together on a solution.

West Northamptonshire Council said alternative traffic solutions, including weight limits, would be explored at an upcoming public engagement event.

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