The road bridge at nearby junction 10 of the M20

by political editor Paul Francis

Plans to build a new junction at the M20 at Ashford have suffered
another setback.

The scheme, first mooted in 2001, has been missed off a list of six
regional road schemes the government has given the green light to by
agreeing to public inquiries.

The six include the widening of the A21 in west Kent between Tonbridge
and Pembury.

But the transport minister Mike Penning effectively sidelined plans for
a new Junction 10a at Ashford this week, saying only that it would
"continue to be considered for future delivery along with other
schemes."

It is the latest setback for a project considered crucial in providing
access to several key developments around the town, including those
planned for Cheeseman's Green, Waterbrook and Sevington.

The project involves a dual carriageway link road joining the A2070
Southern Orbital Road and the new junction, as well as a link to the
existing junction and the A20.

It was put in limbo by the coalition, who said it was among schemes
unlikely to secure the funding needed before 2015.

It now appears to have receded further and the government has said only that it will have to work to drive down the estimated costs.

A Department for Transport statement said: "These proposals are not
selected at this time.... are still good schemes that address clear
problems and the department will continue to work with key stakeholders
to maximise value for money."

Ashford MP Damian Green said: "It is disappointing but not completely
unexpected. It will be needed eventually and it is a question of trying
to get it in the programme but all the indications were that it was not
considered a priority."

In a statement, Ashford council said: "Following talks with government
officials last year it was likely Junction 10a would not be delivered in
the short to medium term, however it remains a key part of Ashford's
long-term plans.

"While we are disappointed it was not included in the
government's list of schemes to be taken forward in the next few years,
they did confirm it is a good scheme and remains in consideration for
future funding."