WORK aimed at taming Medway's notorious A228 road, which has claimed two more lives in the last month, can now go ahead following the delivery of nearly £12 million.

The Government has confirmed it is giving the £11.8 million to the scheme to improve the road between Main Road in Chattenden and Ropers Lane in Hoo. This is the full amount Medway Council originally bid for.

Council leader designate Cllr Rodney Chambers said: "Naturally I welcome this money. Residents will be aware that Medway Council has begun works to improve this road, underpinning our absolute commitment to road safety.''

Transport minister John Spellar made the announcement, saying the cash would help support the regeneration of the Isle of Grain.

The money will be given in two parts £4.36 million in this financial year and £7.5 million in the next.

The improvements involve building a dual carriageway which will link the existing dual carriageway at Four Elms Hill to an existing roundabout at Ropers Lane.

The scheme also involves constructing a new roundabout at the A228 junction at Bells Lane/Duxcourt Road, Hoo.

Preliminary work on the scheme is already underway but the cash means the work can begin in earnest this summer.