Householders will have their chance to comment on a new bypass scheme when a two-day exhibition opens later this week.

The views of residents of Marcham, near Abingdon, will be also sought through a consultation paper which will be delivered to every home in the village.

A marketing consultancy company will deliver - and collect - the survey forms.

The consultants will report back on their findings in the summer, after which Oxfordshire County Council will be submitting a planning application to the Vale of White Horse District Council.

The new road is expected to cost £4m but work will not start until 2004.

The scheme is included in the County's Local Transport Plan for 2001 to 2006 and has Government support.

There have been numerous plans for a new road to relieve Marcham's traffic problems, going back more than 60 years.

Five years ago, a scheme was abandoned because of a combination of local opposition and county council financial constraints.

New money is now available and the scheme is back on track with a modified southern route for the road which appears to have won widespread support.

Local county councillor Marjorie Evans said: "This revised plan will give better environmental benefits, removing about 85 per cent of the traffic from Packhorse Lane and Frilford road.

"It will bring immense relief to the 71 houses near the main road.

"It will reclaim the centre of Marcham and make life better and safer for pedestrians, cyclists and local vehicles. A bypass is the only measure that will bring about such an achievement."

The exhibition is set to open on Friday in the village Institute.