Government bosses have reiterated their commitment to the M20 lorry park.

It comes amid rumours the plans for the 3,600 space to tackle Operation Stack had been ditched.

But the government denied the suggestions which had reportedly emerged from a source close to the construction team.

The Department for Transport (DfT) stressed it remains "fully committed" to the £250 million scheme.

A judicial review is set for early December at the High Court and is set to challenge the process which saw the plans brought forward.

A spokesman from the DfT said: "The proposed lorry area will address the severe inconvenience suffered by people living and working in Kent when cross-channel services are affected.

"We are defending the judicial review case. It would be inappropriate to comment further.

"In the meantime, we have Manston Airfield on standby to hold lorries and reduce congestion in the event of disruption to cross Channel services."

Matthew Webb, chairman of Stanford Parish Council, said he had heard the same line after people had contacted him to ask whether they were true.

The council is an interested party in the upcoming judicial review next month led by Westenhanger Castle owner, John Forge.

Folkestone and Hythe MP Damian Collins last week said the government needed to come to a deal with local residents and businesses before the judicial review.

Cllr Webb said the judicial review into the lorry park will look at whether it should have been submitted under environmental planning rules.

It cannot look at other options but if it succeeds then it could allow campaigners to challenge wider ranging issues within the proposed development.