œ10m gap on Avon ring road

The future of the Avon ring road has been plunged into doubt by the revelation that there is a œ10 million shortfall in funding for the scheme.

In 1995 the four Avon area unitary authorities concerned with the scheme had their bid for funding of œ15.4 million approved by the Department of Transport. Four years later, due to a combination of inflation, increased land costs, the Landfill Tax and projected site security expenses, the cost of the 3.3km road has now risen to œ25.4 million.

The councils applied for the first year's funding of œ8.3 million in July of last year, but environmental group Scrappit began legal proceedings to halt the road. The delay meant the councils only obtained œ1 million placed on reserve for the initial work on the project.

Scrappit are now claiming victory after the authorities' director for strategic planning and transportation, Roger Daniels, confirmed that the Department of Transport is only committed to funding the Avon ring road "up to the level of the original bid."

Government office for the South West transport team leader, Paul Robert, said:"We would consider a bid for additional funds if a justifiable case was made out. As far as I am aware that has not been done."

Scrappit's court case will be heard at the Court of Appeal on May 1.