TWO multi-million pound road schemes in west Wiltshire could be delayed for up to a year if Government money dries up.

The eastern bypass for Westbury and improvements to the A36 between Codford and Heytesbury were missing from Government transport funding announced for 2004.

Cash for the routes have been delayed until the outcome of the Bath/Bristol south coast roads study expected later this month.

But the Department of Transport has admitted the £20m road schemes are in danger of missing the boat if the reserve money runs out.

A spokesman said: "Every year the Government announces its budget for road and transport schemes and this covers everything from roads to sea ports.

"Both schemes have not been included on the list because we are waiting for the outcome of the study. There is a finite amount of resources and these schemes are competing with hundreds of similar plans across the country for a slice of the reserves.

"The one thing the bypass and the improvements to the A36 have on their side is that they are on the cheaper scale of things."

If there is no money left in the budget, Wiltshire County Council would have to put in another bid for the two schemes in July.