Link road set back by months

Work on the 100million three-and-a-half mile stretch looked set to start after a verdict - due imminently - on the legality of Compulsory Purchase Orders.

But the Department for Transport (DfT) have now postponed the decision at least until autumn while they review their spending, meaning that if the scheme does go ahead, it will be a year behind schedule.

The news gathered mixed responses.

Protesters reacted with joy, taking it as a sign the scheme may be permanently shelved as the coalition government scrambles to reduce Britain's deficit.

But the town's MP and the leader of Rother District Council are standing by the scheme, which they insist is key to the regeneration of 1066 Country.

Laura Boggis and her husband Ray have campaigned against the link road since before the pre-inquiry meeting last year. The proposed route runs along their home, Bynes Farm in Crowhurst.

She said: "It's absolutely fantastic news, for the valley and future generations who will enjoy it, for the people who won't lose their lives driving through the fog plane, and for Bexhill as well because the road won't reduce any congestion.

"It was a road to nowhere. I'm praying every day for it to be stopped."

But Bexhill's MP, Greg Barker, said he remained "absolutely committed" to the road, adding: "This scheme will rank very highly amongst the priority projects and I hope this is simply a delay and nothing more serious."

And an article in this week's Observer sees Carl Maynard, leader of Rother District Council, calling for transport minister Norman Baker to direct his energy away from councillors' allowances and into supporting the link road (page 2).

The scheme has been driven by East Sussex County Council, and Matthew Lock, head of transport at the authority, said: "We are disappointed but not altogether surprised.

"Having said that, the link road remains one of the county council's key priorities, as we believe it is vital to the economic regeneration of the area."

Improvements to the A21 have also been temporarily shelved.