A MAJOR town group has made a dramatic U-turn to back the controversial Stourport Relief Road - but, if approved, it will not be built until 2006 at the earliest.

Stourport Town Centre Forum, which revealed in November it was likely to oppose its construction, now appears ready to support the bid after a meeting with Worcestershire county councillors.

Prospects of the bypass being built appear good, but planning procedures mean the road would not be constructed until the 2006-10 period.

The issue has divided townsfolk as some feel it would have a detrimental effect on trade and tourism, while others believe it will boost the economy.

Forum chairman Derek Fradgley said the meeting had proved successful and led some members who feared a bypass would adversely affect trade to change their minds.

Mr Fradgley, chairman of the forum which includes representatives from town groups, county and district council and police, said: "The county council has told us the scheme would cost well over £5 million to go ahead with.

"This means it falls into a certain category which entitles the council to bid for one such road project in a five-year period.

"The bid for 2001-05 has already been made for something else, so the bypass project would not get underway until the following period between 2006-10."

The council's £80,000 feasibility study into the road will start in June and is expected to be completed within two months.

Businesses and the public will be consulted on whether they feel Stourport's trade and tourism would be improved or harmed by a bypass.

Mr Fradgley added: "If the study indicates the social, economic and environmental well-being of Stourport will be improved by the construction of the road then this forum supports its construction."

If the bypass is built, it will run from Santa Maria Way on the Worcester Road opposite the Rose & Crown pub, over the river and through the Walshes caravan site before coming out on The Rough opposite Areley House.