A NEW location for the Public Inquiry into plans to revoke route orders laid down for the proposed Studley Bypass has been announced.

The Highways Agency revealed on Monday the inquiry would take place at Studley Hall, High Street, at 10am on Tuesday, January 20.

The pre-inquiry meeting will still take place at the Abbey Hotel, Hither Green Lane, at 10am on Wednesday, December 10, as planned.

Route sponsor for the Highways Agency Liz Talbot said: "On our second visit to the hall we were provided with a comprehensive tour of the facilities and on reflection, we felt the hall would be able to accommodate our requirements.

"We felt it would be too short notice to re-arrange the pre-inquiry meeting but in January, the full public inquiry will be held in Studley, rather than Redditch, as this is a more central venue for all those affected by the proposed orders."

The Highways Agency wants to remove the orders laid down in 1993 before de-trunking the A435 and handing responsibility for the road to Warwickshire County Council.

But village campaigners calling for a bypass to relieve congestion through the village are opposed to the move as it could scupper any chance of a bypass ever being built.

The inquiry will be heard by an independent inspector and its purpose is to inform the Secretary of State of the nature and weight of the objections to the proposal.