One of Kent's most congested junctions is to be upgraded using money saved from scrapping the northern leg of HS2, the government has announced.

Brenley Corner, which links the A2, M2 and Thanet Way on the outskirts of Faversham, will be improved with part of the £36 billion expected to be saved by dropping the Birmingham to Manchester line.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed the widely expected axing of the scheme earlier today, citing a doubling of costs for the project.

No details have been released about how the money will be spent at Brenley Corner, but action has long been called for at the site as it becomes notoriously snarled up during rush hours.

Faversham and Mid Kent MP Helen Whately says the move is a “massive win” for Kent.

“I have been campaigning for a Brenley Corner upgrade ever since I became an MP, and Rishi Sunak has finally been the one to commit to it,” she said.

“It should make life better for residents of Faversham and the nearby villages, and anyone travelling to Dover too - and mean the end of hours upon hours of our lives stuck in queues up to Brenley Corner.

"Investments like this are what we need right across the country.

“We’re going to see the billions of pounds of HS2 savings put to better use, whether it’s in major infrastructure projects, road resurfacing, fixing potholes, or keeping the £2 bus fare in place.

“I am realistic we’re not going to see Brenley Corner fixed overnight.

“This is a long-term decision about the infrastructure we need to support our economy into the future.”

As well as improvements to Brenley Corner, an extra £1 billion has been promised to fund new road schemes in the south east.

An extra £2.8 billion has also been pledged to combat potholes in the south east, south west and east of England.

The £2 bus fares have also been extended until the end of December next year instead of rising to £2.50 as previously planned.