Two months of traffic chaos are feared as work begins on a major arterial route in Hythe.

Workers have this week moved into the Scanlons Bridge Road and Dymchurch Road area for junction modifications and improvements.

The work involves temporary traffic lights for the junction between these two roads.

But the area is on the key A259 route from Romney Marsh to Folkestone and long tailbacks are feared, especially during rush hour.

David Plumstead, co-ordinator for the community group Shepway Environment and Community Network, said: "This is bound to cause traffic tailbacks. We are going to have eight weeks of traffic chaos."

Mr Plumstead, from Lympne, said that Hythe had suffered knock-on traffic congestion during the repeated use of Operation Stack during June and July because drivers were using the town as a rat run.

He believes that problems will be even worse if Operation Stack is used again during the time of these roadworks.

County councillor Martin Whybrow said: "Scanlons Bridge Road is a notorious bottleneck and I understand these works are to ease the flow of traffic. I doubt whether they will.

"Meanwhile, there will be major disruption in the area."

The work, ordered by Kent Highways, continues until November 14 and day and night traffic restrictions will be in place.

Kent County Council says the work will increase Folkestone-bound lanes on part of the A261 Scanlons Bridge Road from one to two.

Other effects are as follows:

Waiting will be prohibited at all times on the A259 Dymchurch Road, firstly on the northern side from number 48 eastwards to the existing double yellow lines.

It will also be prohibited on both sides from the Gate Inn, westwards to the junction with the A261.

Access will be closed from Fort Road onto Dymchurch Road. The alternative route to reach the A259 is via Boundary Road and Frampton Road. Traffic can still enter Fort Road from Dymchurch Road.

n Frampton Road will be closed at the junction with Dymchurch Road with dates to be advised, near the end of the works, once Fort Road is re-opened.

Access to Frampton Road will then be via Fort Road and Boundary Road.

KCC has imposed an order suspending any existing parking entitlements and restrictions that apply to the affected parts of Dymchurch Road.