Tunnel to be closed for £2 million revamp

Delays are likely and the project is expected to take an estimated six months to complete.

Contractors will work at 'off peak times' to keep the disruption to a minimum.

East Sussex County Council announced the Government had agreed funding to carry out essential improvements, including lining the tunnel with new cladding and replacing the lighting.

The work begins in January 2009 and is expected to take up to six months.

A council spokesman said the tunnel would be closed to allow work to take place at off-peak times during weekdays and 'possibly' at weekends.

He also said residents and businesses affected by the works would be kept fully informed.