A PUBLIC exhibition on options to improve the A435 between Alcester and Gorcott Hill drew about 2,700 people last week.

Warwickshire County Council chiefs were encouraged by the three-day event at Studley Village Hall and are now awaiting final comments from the public to complete the consultation process.

Ten options to improve the route were on display, including proposals for a new single or dual carriageway to the west of Studley or a route to the east of the village.

Warwickshire County Council head of transport planning Graeme Fitton said: "The exhibition went very well and we're pleased so many people took time to attend.

"We're now going to pull together all the responses and comments, collate them and present them to a steering group to decide a way forward."

Mr Fitton said a preferred option would probably be chosen early next year and then discussions about funding would take place.

Plans to hand responsibility of the A435 from the Government Highways Agency to the county council have also been mooted, hence the county's involvement in the consultation process.

Last night, Sambourne Parish Council met to decide which of the 10 options it wished to support.

Previously it has opposed a westerly bypass.

Redditch residents living in Wire Hill have also expressed concern about a westerly route.

David Ash, of Batsford Close, said: "I went to the exhibition and was very disturbed to see how close a western bypass would come to our area.

''I think a lot of people in Redditch would be shocked if it happened."