PERSHORE Town Council ought to lobby for an extension to the planned £5.6m Wyre Piddle bypass to be built as soon as possible, it has been claimed.

The council has been contacted by Wyre Piddle residents keen to see a relief road laid to the west of the village to ease the traffic through Wyre Hill.

According to the campaigners, the town council should take a "strong and active lead" and put pressure on the planners at County Hall.

"They believe that the benefits of the western bypass to Pershore are as great, if not greater, than to Wyre Hill," said a town council report.

"This request may suggest a more demanding role for the town council than was originally envisaged."

The issue has been put on the full council agenda for tomorrow evening, so members can air their views.

"We fully support the idea of a road from Keytec 7 business park to the point where the Wyre Piddle bypass will join the Worcester Road, as it would save traffic coming through Pershore," said town clerk Chris Neal today.

"This road must be built," said Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff, who represents the area.

"Pershore Town Council's support would be very welcome."

The matter rests with Worcestershire County Council, which is pressing ahead with plans for the Wyre Piddle bypass.

The project was approved in December, more than quarter of a century after villagers started pleading for relief from heavy lorries in particular.

A spokesman at County Hall said people in Wyre Hill would be able to quiz the authority this month.

"We've arranged a public exhibition at Wyre Piddle village hall on Monday, April 30," he said.

"It will be held between 10.30am and 7pm. Staff from Halcrow and the highways partnership will be there to explain the issues."

He was unable to confirm the main bypass would take shape in September, as hoped.