Kent have admitted further delays to their ambitious ground redevelopment plans in a statement aimed at alleviating fans' concerns that the £10m project is about to hit the buffers.

Last month the club declared that the replacement lime tree at the ground was about to be moved and that safety hoardings around the proposed hotel site would be in place come the end of Tunbridge Wells Festival week, yet going into June there are no signs of work.

In Kent's latest bulletin club chairman George Kennedy said: "We are making good progress with our commercial partners but, inevitably in the current climate, the momentum for the project is a little slower than we would have liked.

"We have to remember, however, that this is a long-term project. Supporters may have expected more activity on the ground by now, but they can at least look forward to watching cricket at St Lawrence unhindered by building."

Mr Kennedy confirmed the club are negotiating the final stages of legal agreements with commercial partners Persimmon Homes and Vantage Hotel Developments Ltd, who both say they are still committed to the project.