More compensation claims settled with Wakefield eastern relief road neighbours

Almost £182,000 has been paid out to 135 households this month by Wakefield Council.

It's the fifth round of settlements that have been finalised with people whose properties have fallen in value since the bypass was built and opened in 2017, and brings the total compensation bill for the road past £3m.

Around £2.8m has already been handed out to nearly 600 people living in the Eastmoor, Stanley, Stanley Ferry and Pinders Heath areas.

The figures include payments made to solicitors and agents working on behalf of the claimants.

In June, when news of the claims were first revealed, the council explained the law requires them to compensate landowners and tenants, "If the value of their land falls due to factors caused by work to highways such as noise, vibration, smell, fumes, smoke and artificial lighting".

Glynn Humphries, service director for the environment, added: "Following the construction of the Wakefield eastern relief road, the council is now settling compensation claims, including interest, legal and agents fees to property owners for claims which have been agreed."

The road, which was later named Neil Fox Way after the Wakefield Trinity rugby league legend, was built with the intention of cutting city centre congestion and journey times.

Local Democracy Reporting Service