Road works bunkered by Open Golf 66 miles away!

Defects in one part of the recently-completed 2m scheme were to be repaired in mid June and were scheduled for completion for mid-July.

It would have meant temporary traffic lights on Little Common Road and delays for residents and tourists for the second summer running.

But the Highways Agency has put a stop to the scheme and all other major-route roadworks in the south east because of the Open, one of the world's biggest golf tournaments, which takes place at Royal St George's in Sandwich, Kent, from July 17-20.

Residents were confused this week when a Southern Water mailshot mistakenly said the tournament was being held at Sandhurst, a tiny village near Hawkhurst.

The Highways Agency is expecting tens of thousands of motorists to head towards Sandwich for the event and wants to keep the roads clear. That's despite recommendations from the AA and RAC that the best route to Sandwich from west of Bexhill bypasses the A259 in favour of the M25 and M20.

The work will now begin in mid-August and is due for completion in mid-September, which still cuts into the area's busiest tourist period and is likely to lead to frustrating delays.