Further doubt cast on Bexhill - Hastings link road

The 100million three mile stretch is considered by many to be key to Hastings' future regeneration.

But the Observer can reveal that the scheme has been put on the back burner as David Cameron's government look for ways to save cash.

And a final decision will now not be made until the autumn at the very earliest - meaning that even if the scheme does go ahead, it will be a year behind schedule.

Improvements to the A21 have also been temporarily shelved amid a raft of cost-cutting.