THE proposed Bordesley bypass could cost Redditch Council up to £10.7 million - a far cry from the £4.6 million originally earmarked.

Worcestershire County Council has told Redditch Council that until the Abbey Stadium development gets under way, the cost of building a bypass to serve it will continue to escalate.

At last Monday's meeting of Redditch Council, members agreed to find up to £8.6 million to fund the scheme.

But the county's cabinet member for environment, Councillor John Smith, said: "I understand some Redditch councillors have expressed surprise at the estimated costs of the bypass but if they criticise the county council, they are merely shooting the messenger.

''The costs of building a road can often escalate at an alarming rate and the longer the stadium project remains a proposal and not a reality, the more the cost of building a very necessary bypass will go up."

The county council has also defended its recommendation the bypass should be a dual carriageway rather than the single route originally planned.

Redditch Council Conservative group leader Councillor Carole Gandy last week criticised the county council for leaving it so late to make its safety recommendations.

But Mr Smith said: "Making the bypass a dual carriageway is the best possible option.

''Not only will it ensure that the road is of the same capacity from Oakenshaw all the way to the M42, it also allows the road to take more traffic if the number of vehicles attracted to the stadium exceeds expectations."

A public inquiry to decide whether the Abbey Stadium project can go ahead was launched yesterday.

The outcome is expected in March.