The multi-million pound scheme to scrap the notorious A64 traffic lights at Copmanthorpe in York WILL be delayed by a year because of residents' objections.

Highways chiefs revealed today that a public inquiry will have to be held this summer after last-ditch efforts to resolve villagers' concerns ended in failure.

The inquiry will put construction work on the scheme back by about 12 months. It involves closing the gap in the central reservation and building a new underpass to help local people cross the dual carriageway safely.

The £3 million project was devised after a shocking 36 accidents at the lights between 1992 and 1996, eight of which were serious and three fatal. Some involved vehicles crossing through the gap in the central reservation and others were shunt accidents involving vehicles which could not stop when the lights turned red.

The Highways Agency said earlier this year that an inquiry was likely because it had been unable to resolve some residents' objections, despite making amendments to its original scheme to reduce the impact. However, it would still keep talking to residents to try to answer their concerns and avert the need for an inquiry.

But the Agency said today that 16 outstanding objections remain, from "one or two affected landowners, a couple of organisations and some members of the public".

And now a public inquiry is to be held at the Conference Hall at Askham Bryan College, starting on June 29 and lasting for up to two weeks.

Inspector David Brook will hear representations from statutory objectors and anyone else who wishes to give their views.

Selby MP John Grogan, who has backed the project to close the gap and build the underpass, said today: "There will be a real sense of disappointment and frustration in Copmanthorpe at this news that the construction will be delayed by 12 months."

He said many people in the village, and also users of the A64, were supportive of the scheme, which would help reduce accidents on the busy dual carriageway.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.