Hopes are high that government funding will be won for a new £16.5million road in Ashford.

Victoria Way will open up land for development and provide alternative routes to Tenterden and junction 9 of the M20.

It is included in a bid by the South East England Regional Transport Board for £124million to deliver 15 key projects in growth areas.

Board chairman Cllr Nick Skellett said: “This cash injection could reduce congestion and improve public transport.”

The new route, south of the town centre, will link the A2042 Romney Marsh Road to the A28 Chart Road taking through traffic away from the town.

Ashford’s Future head of transport, Andy Phillips, said: “We welcome the news that the regional assembly recognises Victoria Way as an important transport scheme which means the project has a very good chance of receiving funding.”