CYCLISTS, horse-riders and ramblers will join forces for a rally in support of a new bridge across the A2 between Kingston and Barham near Canterbury.

The demonstration takes place on Saturday, September 21, in Kingston to encourage authorities to build an equestrian/pedestrian bridge, the absence of which has long been an issue. The rally will begin at 10am.

Cllr Martin Vye, who is leading the action, said: "If the A2 had been made into a motorway then a bridge for non-motorised users would have undoubtedly been put in place. However the Highways Agency got away with it at the time, and has said ever since that there was no money.

"This has now changed. There is money for projects like this so long as good justification is made and this is encouraging. The North Downs Way goes along the top of the downs but there is no safe way of getting to the beautiful countryside on the top of the A2."

David Sanders from the Highways Agency said a feasibility study was being carried out in this financial year to determine whether or not to proceed with the project.