Tonbridge; Money For A21 Improvements

27 June 2013, 13:29 | Updated: 27 June 2013, 13:38

Treasury Secretary, Danny Alexander has been outlining details of the Government's spending review. It includes allocating funds to widen the A21 between Tonbridge and Pembury

This statement was issued by Tunbridge Wells MP, Greg Clarke.

“This is absolutely brilliant news.  I have been campaigning hard over eight years to get the funding for this vital project. With the money in place, work on dualling the A21 can start as soon as possible after the Public Inquiry is completed.
 
“The fact that the Chancellor has confirmed the funding will definitely be available for 2015 is the breakthrough we’ve all been working towards.  It is a victory for everyone who has campaigned long and hard to get this nightmare stretch of road sorted out once and for all.  
 
“The A21 dualling scheme has had a number of set-backs over the last decade.  If the Public Inquiry gives the road scheme the final go ahead, we can, at last, all look forward with confidence that it will actually be built.  This is a fantastic day for residents, businesses and visitors throughout West Kent and East Sussex.”

Mr Alexander said the Highways Agency would be transformed in to a publicly-owned corporation, which will have the long-term funding certainty it needs

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury added: ``Where our predecessors left the road network on the hard shoulder, we are bringing it in to the fast lane.''