Alun Griffiths withdraws from Banwell bypass project

The bypass will include new cycle ways and horse-riding tracks, as well as ponds and woodlands

A contracting company has unexpectedly withdrawn from a project to build a long-awaited bypass.

Alun Griffiths Contractors Ltd have told North Somerset Council that they will no longer deliver the £89.2m Banwell bypass.

First proposed almost a century ago, It aims to alleviate congestion between the A38 and Weston-super-Mare.

The council say they "remain committed" to the scheme and are working with Homes England to plan their next steps.

The news comes less than a month after the Department for Transport approved Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) needed for the scheme.

Although Alun Griffiths have been on site since then, to prepare the area for the bypass' main construction, they have now stopped work.

"Alun Griffiths joined the bypass team in 2021, so it is incredibly frustrating for them to pull out without warning just as they were getting spades in the ground," said Cllr Mike Bell.

"This is unexpected and unprecedented news and we feel both let down and disappointed, as I'm sure many residents will too."

The bypass would alleviate congestion in Banwell that occurs on a thin stretch of road called "the narrows"

Of the scheme's £89.2m price tag, Homes England has provided £77.3m of this money while the council have contributed £11.9m.

"The Banwell bypass is an important scheme for us and, over the past two years, we have made more progress towards making it a reality than anyone in the century since it was first proposed.

"This includes designing the scheme in collaboration with local residents, overcoming financial pressures and successfully securing planning permission and CPOs.

"Not only would the bypass eremove long-standing and intolerable congestion from Banwell, but the wider scheme includes miles of walking and cycling tracks, as well as a substantial bio-diversity net gain.

"The bypass is also key to unlocking future housing sites, which are vital in seizing the opportunities presented by regional growth," he added.