Supporters of the Western Route relief road have not given up hope and believe it will be built in the future.

It comes after it was revealed the chances of Government backing for a A354 bypass around Wyke Regis are slim – with no chance of any decision until at least 2025.

County highways brief holder Cllr Ray Bryan told the Dorset Council cabinet meeting that the Government had no money available for at least five years from the most likely funding pot.

This is disappointing news given that campaigners had thought there was a renewed impetus for road-building projects following the Prime Minister's announcement to put jobs and infrastructure at the centre of the government's economic growth strategy.

Plans for the Western Route, or Jurassic Coast Highway, have been in the pipeline for years but without any financial commitment.

Supporters say the road, which would cost hundreds of millions of pounds to build, is necessary to meet rising tourist and business demands – including the growth of Portland Port – as well as providing relief to the congested A354 corridor.

It would link the A354 at Ferrybridge with the B3157 Chickerell Road at the Link Road junction, bypassing the A354 through built-up areas including Boot Hill and Wyke Regis. The road would encroach on a sensitive nature site along the Fleet but supporters believe it can be constructed sympathetically with minimal environmental impact.

Following the latest development on lack of funding, prominent local businessman - property developer Mickey Jones - said: "Given the erosion of government finances during Covid, public sector budgets will undoubtedly be under pressure. However, larger infrastructure projects, especially those that are transport related, might be supported by the Government, both for the direct benefits that they will deliver and what the expenditure could do to reduce the extent of any recession.

"What is not in doubt are the benefits that this road could bring to South Dorset, most notably in terms of business but also environmentally, improving air quality in built up areas and reducing journey times to and from Portland. Road safety will also be improved, for cyclists and pedestrians."

He added: "It is my belief that this road is required and it will be built, the only area for debate is the timing. I appreciate it could take many years, but it might not…."

CEO of Portland Harbour Authority Bill Reeves said: "My personal view is that government funding, especially for infrastructure projects, will be very different from anything that had been planned prior to the coronavirus health crisis. The probability is that they will spend much more on infrastructure than previously planned, not less. That presents us with an opportunity to lobby for funding for the Jurassic Coast Highway .

"We must do that. It is a key development for South Dorset."