FRESH calls have been made for a bypass to relieve traffic problems in a village.

Motorists were stuck in traffic on the A35 for up to two hours when roadworks started at Chideock.

The work, which started three weeks ago, caused chaos on the first day of being carried out, prompting fresh calls for a bypass around the village.

Members of the Chideock Bypass Working Group, which has submitted an application to Highways England for consideration in its Strategic Road Network (SRN) scheme, say the village needs a ‘permanent solution’ to its traffic problems.

Campaigner George Dunn said: “The first day of the roadworks was gridlock. From Bridport to Charmouth it was dreadful. People took other roads but long term that’s not feasible. We need a permanent solution to the traffic problems through here.”

Chairman Anna Dunn said: “Without any doubt, the traffic on the first day proves that we need a bypass. We have very, very steep hills here and the roads are so tight and small – it’s not fit for purpose. The road was built for a horse and cart.

“There are more cars on the road than ever and by 2050 the amount will increase by a further 55 per cent – the road can’t manage. Any problems along the road - an accident for example - from Bridport to Charmouth you’re stuck in traffic and as there’s nowhere to go. The lanes are not suitable for lorries and vans and so for a 15-mile stretch you’re stuck.”

The idea of a bypass around Chideock is not a new one.

Plans were approved in 1993 but were cancelled, along with several other bypass projects, in November 1996 for economic reasons and it was revoked by Act of Parliament in 1999.

The working group aims to revive the agreed proposals and take action to build a bypass of the A35 running through the village which, it believes, will ease congestion. It hopes to divert the A35 trunk road away from the centre of village, claiming it could improve the environment and road safety in the area.

It launched a petition in November seeking signatures to back its proposal.

Mrs Dunn said: “The campaign will always keep going and won’t stop until we have a bypass.”

Engineers installed 24-hour traffic signals to carry out drainage repair work at Chideock, which had been expected to continue until tomorrow.

The work was completed last Thursday, days ahead of schedule.