THE eastern route is the right one for a bypass around Westbury, say Wiltshire county councillors, who have agreed to bid for Government funds for the road.

Wiltshire County Council's cabinet agreed plans for the bypass and the cash bid on Friday.

Proposals will be submitted to the government in the annual local transport plan on July 31, and the county council expects to hear by December if the bid is successful.

The bypass will cost £16m, including funds for the Glenmore Link, which will join the A350 to the West Wilts Trading Estate, and £1.3m will be spent on improvements to roads in the town.

Cllr Fleur De Rhe-Philipe, cabinet member for the environment, said the council cannot afford to waste time.

She said: "There is currently a window of opportunity and if we don't bid for money now that chance could be lost.

"It is very important that we move forward with bidding while we have the opportunity.

"These vital transport schemes have been delayed too long, and local people have had to suffer as a result."

Angry Westbury residents opposing the eastern route have reacted strongly against the decision.

Colin Little, chairman of the Westbury Bypass Alliance, favours a western route and plans to continue the fight.

A recent questionnaire revealed a majority of Westbury residents polled disapproved of an eastern route.

He said: "We are not surprised the council has made this decision but now we will take our campaign to the government and tell them not to give money to such an irresponsible council.

"They have gone against public opinion and an independent government inspectors report."

Two weeks ago a report by a government inspector into the West Wiltshire District Plan, presented to the county council's environment advisory panel, revealed a number of concerns over the eastern bypass route.

The report recommended the county council reconsider its plans due to possible damage to the environment and pollution to Westbury's water supply.

The inspector also said a decision on the bypass should wait for the outcome of a study into the Bristol/Bath south coast roads study, expected in the autumn.

If the bid is successful the council will publish detailed plans for the bypass so that public inquiries could be held next year.