THERE was jubilation in Dobwalls this week following a government pledge to put £17 million aside for the bypass the village has been campaigning for during the past 50 years.

However, the joy was tinged with a certain amount of caution, for the campaigners were anxious to know exactly when work would begin on the road – designed to alleviate Dobwalls of constant traffic using the A390 – and if the plans will still go ahead even if there is a change of government in the coming years.

On Wednesday, deputy prime minister, John Prescott, outlined a series of transport schemes around the country, including Dobwalls, which between them will cost £1billion.

They also include constructing a new section of the A30 at Goss Moor.

The government said the bypass will quicken journey times and bring safety benefits to Dobwalls, as well as improving air quality, reducing noise, and going some way to prevent the current feeling that the busy A390 literally cuts the village in two. A Highways Agency spokesman felt work would probably start around 2005-6.

A delighted South East Cornwall MP Colin Breed who has backed the campaign for many years said: 'This result is down to the hard work of the campaigners who put so much effort into a well organised, high profile campaign.

Parish chairman John Mellor, who took over as the head of the campaign from previous chairman, Derek Newton, who had stepped up the profile of Dobwalls' fight, said everyone was over the moon. 'We are looking forward to becoming one village again' he said.

Head of Dobwalls Primary School, Jane Bulmer, said everyone was very happy.

'This has been a big safety issue for so long' she said. 'The sooner it's done the safer our children will be'.

The safety aspects were also highlighted by Dobwalls resident Lesley Morgan, a mother of three who lives on the main road.

Her children are aged 12, 11 and seven and she said since moving to the village 14 years ago she has been very aware of the risks locals take when crossing the road.

She said: 'It was absolutely ages before I let them cross to the sweet shop on their own.' She and her husband had been assured a bypass would soon be built when they moved over a decade ago.

Jack Jago has been involved in the bypass campaign for 35 years. He welcomed the news, but said he would actually believe the road was on its way when the diggers move in.

He pointed out that around 15 years ago money was also set aside for the bypass, but a change at the helm of government led to the plans being scrapped.

Lin Newton also said she would only be convinced the road is on its way when the first turf is dug. Mr Newton himself said he was very pleased with the news, but was awaiting the finer details. He also added the campaigners would be meeting soon to discuss their next moves, and certainly will be keeping an eye on the situation, and keeping the need for the bypass high in government minds.

Tory candidate Ashley Gray said the announcement was a refreshing and welcome shift in Government policy that will be welcomed by locals and visitors alike.

Praise went from the residents, who have held the traffic up over the years to make their point, to the police for their co-operation, Trago Mills boss Bruce Robertson and other businesses who have supported them.

The preferred route for the bypass runs from Moorswater to Doublebois and follows a line north of the village but south of the Dobwalls Theme Park.