Government to foot the bill for link road

The Department of Transport will provide full funding for the 47million project, which was given the green light in December 2004.

And the decision looks set to pave the way for the completion of the road by spring 2009.

The scheme is one of 24 programmes included in the three-year transport programme for the South East region up to 2009.

And improvements to the A21 from Tonbridge to Pembury and an extension of the Lamberhurst bypass to Kippings Cross have also been approved for funding from 2009 onwards.

These two Highways Agency projects are part of an on-going plan for a less-congested link from John's Cross in Robertsbridge to the M25.

East Sussex County Council will still need to pay around 4million for the design work on the 3.4 mile link road, which was seen as a key regeneration factor after the Government blocked plans for a 13-mile bypass in July 2001.

But they received an 850,000 grant towards putting the development framework in place in February.

The road will link North Bexhill to Queensway via the Combe Haven Valley in an attempt to reduce the gridlock caused by up to 30,000 vehicles a day on Bexhill Road.

Bexhill MP Gregory Barker said: "I welcome this next step forward for the link road which is absolutely vital for the long term future of Bexhill.

"I congratulate the county council for pushing this initiative forward and gaining government support in a time when so many other government programmes are being axed."

Hastings and Rye MP Michael Foster claimed he was 'really pleased' the Government was funding the plan for the link road.

But he called for the department to use the next round of funding to secure improvements to the Baldslow junction linking the A21 to The Ridge.

He said: "I am really pleased that we have now got the full go-ahead for the link road.

"It will make a huge difference to traffic levels along the Bexhill Road and improve access to Hastings.

"We need now to press for the A21 improvements to be carried out as early as possible in the programme approved from 2009."

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