Residents who claim their homes have been devalued by the Bingley Relief Road are still waiting

to find out if they can receive

compensation.

Hundreds of homeowners in the Aire Valley submitted claims for pay-outs last year to the Highways Agency, the Government body responsible for the decision to build the £47.9 million road.

The claims are now being considered on behalf of the Highways Agency by the Valuation Office.

James Broadbent, a chartered surveyor at Peterborough-based property compensation firm Thomson Broadbent, which is representing a number of the residents, said: "There has been very little progress since the claims were submitted but we are hoping to have a meeting with the Valuation Office some time in October.

"We have no way of knowing how many claims will be paid and which streets will get compensation. Clearer details of that will emerge over the next year."

He said compensation pay-outs could top the £10,000 figure previously given to residents.

"The amount of compensation paid depends on how much the value of the property has decreased due to the Relief Road. This is decided by the Valuation Office but the Highways Agency has the final decision about what level of compensation should be paid."

Money for claims is available under the Land Compensation Act and claims can be made up to seven years after the date the road opened.

The Valuation Office is an executive agency of HM Revenue and Customs which conducts the council tax valuation lists for England.

A Highways Department spokesman said: "The claims are being dealt with by the Valuation Office and we can't put a time on how long it is going to take but they will be dealt with as soon as possible."

Philip Davies, Shipley MP, said: "It can't take so long to process people's claims. It's outrageous - they should have had a response by now.''

He said he would take the matter up with any residents who wanted help but had not yet been approached.