Plans to dual the A21 have been given fresh hope.

Transport minister Tom Harris has told MPs that he will attempt to ensure improvements on the road begin by 2010 despite a dramatic increase in the cost of the project.

Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark (Con) and Sevenoaks MP Michael Fallon (Con) were among a contingent of politicians calling for the work to begin without delay.

They argue that widening two stretches of the road is vital before the opening of the new Pembury Hospital, in 2011.

But the estimated cost of the work - between Tonbridge and Pembury and from Kippings Cross to Lamberhurst - recently doubled to £100 million because of delays to the work.

The MPs and KCC leader Cllr Paul Carter (Con) met the transport minster yesterday to seek reassurances that the spiralling cost would not cause further delays.

Mr Clark said: “We would never have expected him at the meeting to say there and then that we can go ahead. But he promised he would go back to his officials and see if there’s a way over the next few months that he can despite the increase in costs make sure that the road’s dualling can start in 2010.”