Village to finally get bypass after 100 years... and £100m

BRITAIN'S longest-running road project has finally set a date for completion after 100 years and a £100million bill.

- By Filipa Gaspar

Banwell in North Somerset has suffered severe congestion for more than a century. Building a bypass around the village was first proposed in 1927.

The project was approved at last in 2023. It was then set to cost £56m but, after delays, the bill has almost doubled to £105m.

Now planners say the scheme is fully funded and can progress to the main construction phase. It is due for completion in 2027.

Reality