An independent survey has revealed that nine out of 10 people in the north-east believe that RoadSense should drop its legal challenge to the long-awaited Aberdeen bypass.

The survey was commissioned by the Press & Journal and found that 91.2% of respondents want the group's chairman, William Walton, to step aside and let work begin.

After a long public inquiry approximately £115million has already been spent on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) which was backed by Scottish ministers in 2009.

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However, due to a legal challenge by RoadSense, which is funded by the taxpayer, not a yard of tarmac has been laid yet.

First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond, said the survey was an "overwhelming reflection" of public opinion that Mr Walton should listen to it.

Mr Walton retorted, saying he was not surprised the public was against him, given "current hysteria."

He stated: "This legal challenge is not about numbers. It is about the rights of those people affected by a major road to have their voice properly heard.

"Members of the public were offered an entirely false prospectus by Transport Scotland officials in 2005 when they were consulted on the route for the AWPR."

Of the 501 polled, 457 agreed RoadSense should drop court action against the bypass, with 44 people disagreeing, and backing the group.

If work is allowed to start, the bypass would open by 2017.

(JG)