The spectre of homes being compulsorily purchased to make way for a Worthing and Lancing A27 bypass has surfaced again.

A report reveals homes and property may have to be bought up by the Government before the road can be built.

But Whitehall has not yet said where the dual-carriageway will be, throwing a shroud of uncertainty over north Worthing for the third time in three decades.

Over the past 35 years several bypass plans have been tabled and then shelved, blighting the lives of thousands of people, many of whom had to move house.

But in recent years derelict properties have been refurbished and new homes built alongside the A27.

Now consultants say a bypass with two tunnels should be built - without specifying where - at a total cost of £275 million.

Last September, consultants published a study on transport links between Southampton and Folkestone. Details are being considered by the Government, which is expected to make an announcement shortly.

This could ultimately result in a bypass finally being constructed, reducing congestion on the existing A27.

But it is likely to result in another public inquiry, which could take years to complete.

Worthing nd Adur councils are drawing up a joint strategy on what they believe should happen.

Tony Clarke, Worthing's director of planning and environmental services, said: "Many of the consultants' recommendations are controversial and will require substantial expenditure to implement.

"Even if they are accepted by the Government, many proposals will involve considerable further work."

He added: "Any major improvement to the A27 is likely to involve compulsory purchase procedures and a public inquiry, spread over several years.

"In the past, Adur and Worthing have agreed on the need for improvements to the A27 but have disagreed on detailed proposals.

"In the future, more is likely to be gained if the two councils can agree a common approach to transport proposals."