THE public inquiry into Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO) needed to build the Banwell bypass has started today (Tuesday, July 11).

The village of Banwell on the northern slopes of the Mendip Hills has been calling for a bypass to be built around it for decades.

The A371 carries traffic from Weston-Super-Mare right through the heart of the village, where the road narrows down to a small lane, causing frequent congestion.

In order to build the bypass, the council need to purchase the land along its proposed route.

Where they have been able to do so, the council have tried to negotiate with landowners to purchase the land. Even so, in some cases, sections of land will be purchased by CPO.

Those interested can watch a live-stream of the public inquiry on the North Somerset Council website.

The Banwell bypass is being funded through Homes England’s Housing Infrastructure Fund.