COUNCILLORS have finally reached a decision on the controversial Studley bypass after it was deferred following a heated debate at a previous meeting.

Members unanimously voted to amend recommendations laid out in their report by insisting option 3a (modified) be included as a viable option and pledged their support to Redditch residents who turned out to Monday's full council meeting.

It was also recommended the council pushes Warwickshire County Council for a public inquiry.

Although this is not within councillors' powers it was included in the amendment as "the council takes the view a further inquiry is needed in view of the time since the last inquiry took place.

Chairman of Winyates Green Residents Association Ian Jarrett said: "We were encouraged by the progress made.

"Although councillors didn't actually act to formally remove their support for option 2, the amendment is pretty clear that all options should be looked at again and we will continue to lobby for an easterly route."

Council leader Albert Wharrad said: "This council understands the need to provide a bypass route around Studley but I don't know enough about any of these routes to be able to express and opinion as to which one I would support."

Councillor Gavin Smithers said: "We surely have a responsibility to represent the strength of feeling accurately which has already come out of this initial consultation and to make it as easy as possible for people to make that voice as powerful as possible."

Councillor Pat Wilson added: "Asking for an inquiry is not within our power or control. The amendment is. We can make a recommendation to look at 3a."

But councillors who voted to only look at option 3a (modified) were overturned as it was decided the option should be included rather than solely considered.