Philip Hammond MP told the House of Commons the DfT wish to undertake further analysis of a number of transport schemes, of which the link road is one. It will subsequently expect the County Council to place a best and final bid for funding from a £600 million pot made available for local authority transport schemes. We will want to see more detail from the Dft on what this further analysis means.
The link road remains a priority for the County Council as we believe it is vital to the economic regeneration of the area and the wider south east. The Department for Transport say they will make a decision on which local schemes will proceed at the end of 2011.
Council Leader Peter Jones said: "While it is positive the road has not been shelved, this does mean a delay of at least a further year. This is not just a road – this is about regeneration and prosperity.
"The link road is an essential part of the comprehensive regeneration strategy for Hastings and Bexhill. More than £300 million investment has already gone into the area and the link road is absolutely central to its future economic development. It will bring real benefits to residents and businesses, providing access to new business space, creating jobs and helping companies thrive. It will also give developers access to much-needed housing development that will help the two towns grow as communities.
"This is of such importance to the community that we will be looking to see how we can fund this vital piece of infrastructure in a different way. As such we are prepared to work constructively and innovatively with government to find a solution."
Read more about the Bexhill to Hastings link road.
Reference:
PR 3003
Contact the press team
East Sussex County Council