MP's Link Road funding warning to Government

Gregory Barker's warning follows a statement by the Transport Minister that despite East Sussex County Council's unanimous decision to give planning consent to the new scheme in late December the Government will still have to reassess the business case for the road.

East Sussex County Council now believes that if the Government agrees, construction could start in June 2010 with completion in 2012.

However, in a written parliamentary answer, the Transport Minister told Gregory Barker that the Government will still need to reappraise the business case for the road, before agreeing to funding.

Mr Barker said: 'We have heard a lot of talk from the Government about the importance of bringing forward infrastructure projects in these times of economic turmoil.

"Now we need less talk and more action.

"The Link Road is vital to the future of our local economy.

"It will also open up land for much needed local housing, that will prevent unsuitable development pressure on villages in areas of outstanding natural beauty. I will certainly be keeping up the pressure to make sure that the Government don't renege yet again on their promises.'