A COMMUNITY divided by the A66 was yesterday (Tuesday) due to blockade the lorry-laden road in a bid to gain a bypass, reports Lisa Frascarelli.

More than 200 banner-waving Temple Sowerby residents planned to take to the trunk road, which they claim is one of the most dangerous in the country, yesterday morning.

Campaigners said the hour-long demonstration had been organised to highlight their three-decade long campaign for a bypass.

The A66 divides the community, with the village hall, local school and church on one side and the majority of the population on the other.

Protesters, who held their first road-block demonstration 20 years ago, said their concern was primarily human safety.

Spokesperson Caryl Varty said: "The rationale behind the campaign is safety above all, and a return to some semblance of normality for village life. It's not about restoring scenic beauty or tranquillity, although both of those things matter in what was formerly known as the Queen of Westmorland Villages.

"It is about people and the consequences for human life."

Among casualties of the road is the son of the town's local GP Dr Gavin Young, who was critically injured as he tried to cross the road.

Residents also say a new health centre designed to support the village and surrounding area has been built in a location on the assumption the bypass would go ahead. They argue if it doesn't, it will be dangerous.