Government cash to start n£47m Bexhill to Hastings link road ball rolling

The Department of Transport have agreed to pay for the development framework of the 47million project, which was given the go-ahead in December 2004.

Their 850,000 grant will go towards the cost of putting the scheme in place.

But East Sussex County Council claim they need a further 4million to meet the estimated planning costs.

The 3.4 mile road is seen as a key factor in the regeneration of the town, following the government's rejection of a proposal to set up a 13-mile bypass in July 2001.

It 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.

Hastings and Rye MP Michael Foster welcomed the announcement, and added he hoped the grant would allow the cash-strapped county council to hold fire on some proposed service cuts elsewhere.

Mr Foster said: "It is only fair that the Government do pay this money as the cancelled bypass would have been wholly funded by Central Government, but as the Link Road is a local road some responsibility lies with the Council.

"The special arrangements to reimburse the Council this extra cost seems therefore to be right and proper and something I have campaigned for.

"As this 850,000 has no doubt already been included in the County's expenditure plan, it does mean they have the extra money to spend perhaps on other services."

A spokesperson for East Sussex County Council said: "We're delighted that the government is clearly showing its support for the much-needed Bexhill-Hastings link road.

"The 850,000 is a very welcome contribution, but the County Council is still funding over 4m, to develop the design and obtain planning consent, before construction can start.

"The County Council would welcome and will press for a larger contribution from Government and appreciates the support from many who have assisted so far."