TWO Broadway householders have won a battle for more compensation after taking Worcestershire County Council to a Land Tribunal.

The villagers living in Top Farm and Summer Cottage, in Bibsworth Lane, thought the sum offered them was derisory after the value of their properties slumped following the opening of the bypass

Richard Mumford of Timothy Lea & Griffiths, acting for both claimants, convinced the tribunal that the county's offer of £20,000 and £7,500 respectively was too low and it came down in favour of his clients who were finally awarded £30,000 and £11,250.

Mr Mumford said: "Both claimants had been negotiating for about two years, the gist of the claim hinging on the depreciation in value of the properties, particularly due to the physical factors of noise, dust, fumes and lights."

Dr William Horton formerly of Top Farm, has now moved to Croft Gardens. The former technical consultant for the PVC industry said: "This is a triumph for the little man who should not be short changed by the county council. The presence of the bypass ruined the peace and quiet of my idyllic home, I advise anyone in that area who have not settled their compensation claim to act as I have done."

Leslie Griffin of Summer Cottage said: "I am pleased with the final compensation, which I now think is fair.

"I have had to replace all my windows and my patio door with higher grade double glazing. At times the noise outside is horrendous."

Lee Shrimpton, for Worcestershire County Council, said: "The cases dealt with by the Land Tribunal related to two very individual properties and no general conclusions should be drawn from them so far as other claims of a similar type in Broadway are concerned. However, we accept the Land Tribunal's decision and will be not appealing against its decision in the two cases."