TORY MP for Tunbridge Wells Archie Norman has been told by the Department of Transport that there is no money available for a bypass on the A228 at Colts Hill, near Pembury.

The announcement has been made even though the department has acknowledged that the scheme would "provide traffic and safety benefits".

The proposed link road would improve the route between the Pembury bypass and the B2161 junction at Dampiers Corner.

It would also remove traffic from Colts Hill village and provide a safer route for traffic travelling north-south between the M20 and A21.

If and when it goes ahead, the scheme is expected to cost in the region of £10million.

Mr Norman has written to Tony McNulty, the minister in the DoT, asking that the Colts Hill scheme remains high on his priority list once the outcome of this year's spending review is announced.

Mr Norman said: "In the last two years alone, 54 vehicles have been involved in accidents along Colts Hill.

"People's lives cannot continue to be put at further risk while we wait for the government to give the green light for a much needed scheme."