SUPPORTERS of the increasingly troubled Western Bypass have begun the fight-back after their preferred route was dubbed 'perverse' by government inspectors.

The M6 Link committee held a working breakfast on Tuesday, and agreed that local consensus was needed on which road should be built.

The committee, which includes local business people, city and county councils and Morecambe MP Geraldine Smith, says it will continue to press for an early start for the Western Bypass.

They were addressed by a group of surveyors who favour the northern route, but say they remain unconvinced by the arguments.

The committee insists that the western route offers the best solution for traffic problems in the city centre, as well as benefiting economic regeneration in Morecambe and South Lancaster. They also claim detailed analysis of the northern route show that it will not solve traffic problems in White Lund, Torrisholme and Slyne. They also cite a survey of Lancaster and district chamber of commerce members, which shows 68 per cent backing the western route.

Committee chairman, Alan Dick, said: "The Government now accepts the need for a bypass to solve the area's traffic problems and this is included in their list of work in progress.

"Lancashire County Council's public consultation on phase two of the M6 Link is due to be completed on September 10, with the results due to be announced a month or so later. All members attending our meeting agreed that the outcome of this consultation should be carefully considered, since it is vital that agreement is reached on the preferred route so that construction begins as soon as possible."

Last week saw former bypass supporter, Lancaster MP Hilton Dawson, join the Green Party to call for a £20 million public transport initiative.

His change of heart came after a damning report by the Government Office for the North-West, which slammed the western route.

He also said that any bid for a Northern Bypass would be delayed for 10 years or more.