LABOUR candidate Hilton Dawson says he could yet make a sensational U-turn on the Western Bypass.

Mr Dawson, who has campaigned vigorously for the new road during in his four years as an MP, this week threw down a gauntlet to Green campaigners saying that if they co-operate on a "a workable transport plan" he'll ensure Government ministers turn down any proposals for the controversial road.

Green party rivals were stunned by the Lancaster MP's talk of blocking the bypass.

In a statement released to the press, Hilton said: "I want action based on consensus rather than windy rhetoric and conflict which is getting Lancaster nowhere.

"The test for the Greens is to face the real issues of ordinary life in this City and the prize is that, the one candidate with an environmental conscience who actually stands a chance of winning, will ensure that the Western Bypass would never go ahead."

Hilton's Western Bypass adversary and Green Party parliamentary candidate for Lancaster, John Whitelegg, said: "He's obviously trying to head off the exodus of votes from Labour to the Greens.

"We've talked ourselves hoarse offering credible, workable alternatives to the bypass but each time we've been met by Labour's obstinate and intractable road building dogma.

"We're happy to co-operate and work with him to introduce environmentally friendly transport policies across the district but I think New Hilton has a lot of explaining to do to his New Labour mates at the County and City council who are hell-bent on getting the bypass."