HOPES were raised today that the Wyre Piddle bypass could finally be built after Transport Secretary John Prescott announced funding for 70 road schemes as part of his £180bn, 10-year transport plan.

Villagers have been demanding a bypass around Wyre Piddle for a quarter of a century - a campaign backed by Mid-Worcestershire Tory MP Peter Luff.

"The Government has acknowledged the importance of such roads," said Mr Luff. "There's no more pressing need for a local community than Wyre Piddle. I hope it will be a priority scheme."

But he refused to be too optimistic, given that the Government is proposing to build seven local bypasses a year across England.

Jeff Romanis, the county's head of transportation, said a bid package for £8m per year, plus the £5m bypass scheme, was ready to be submitted to the Government by the end of July.

"This really is good news. The Government is supporting its dreams with money," he said, adding that cash was also being sought for road maintenance and to complete the three park-and-ride sites planned for Worcester.

In another transport move, the M5 near Whittington could be resurfaced to make it quieter, and similar work could be carried out on the A46 close to Harvington, near Evesham, where residents have complained about the noise.

Meanwhile, Hereford's Liberal Democrat MP Paul Keetch is calling for a local transport summit after Ministers made no firm commitment for a bypass around the city.

He suggested a tram system, cross-city buses, and road improvements could alleviate traffic problems.