Residents have backed a proposal to extend the Wallingford by-pass between Brightwell-cum-Sotwell and Shillingford Bridge.

People on Wallingford's Northgate estate say the link would cut traffic using Norries Drive and Blackstone Road - the town's unofficial by-pass.

A northern by-pass was first canvassed when Wallingford's A4130 ring road was planned, but the southern route was preferred. Now Terry Joslin, Didcot's Labour county councillor, has revived the idea and told Oxfordshire County Council a northern route should form part of the Local Transport Plan for 2006.

He described it as a "win-win" scheme that would help Didcot commuters get to East Oxford, ease congestion on the A34, and remove traffic from Wallingford streets.

He said: "The only consideration is the capacity of Shillingford Bridge, but it could be strengthened if required."

But Wallingford town councillor Pat Granados warned of isolation.

She said: "I would hate to see the town so enclosed by the ring-road that no-one came anywhere near us."

County council transport planning group manager Peter Mann said Mr Joslin's proposal would be considered over the next two years as part of a transport review.