KENT County Council wants to build the Colts Hill “strategic link” between Tunbridge wells and Maidstone next year and has put in a bid for £20m to the Government.

The bypass is one of the last pieces needed to complete a high standard safe route between the M20 and the A21.

The proposed route will run between Dampiers Corner and the Pembury northern bypass and has the support of both Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge and Malling borough councils, and of the Colts Hill Bypass Action Group which has been campaigning for relief for the small community for decades.

Various bypass plans have been drawn up over the years, but have been either shelved through lack of funds, or delayed by changes in national policy.

However, there is now a recognition that Colts Hill, which currently hosts 17,000 vehicle movements a day, needs relief.

But KCC has other improvements in mind too and is also asking for money to replace most of the county’s street lamps over the next five years and wants £22m to repair existing roads.

Plans for integrated transport schemes, that include pedestrian crossings, interactive speed signs, 20mph zones and bus lanes, will mop up another £11m.

The Government will announce its decision on bids submitted by county councils across the country in December, but Kent feels its record of continuing improvement should stand the county in good stead.

The last year has seen a fall in the number of people killed or injured on Kent's roads and an increase in the number using public transport.

KCC’s cabinet member for regeneration, Cllr Alex King, said: “The council is making good progress towards many of its transport objectives. We have put together a strong bid to continue the good work and it is up to the Government to look favourably on our efforts.”

KCC’s progress report on its Transport Plan can be viewed on www.kent.gov.uk/sp/planning/LTP/home.html