PLANS for a village bypass on the main road between Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone appear doomed yet again.

Members of the South East’s Regional Transport Board have decided not to list the A228 Colts Hill bypass as a priority scheme for funding.

The news has come as a bitter blow for campaigners who, despite the news, have vowed to fight on.

Their campaign has the support of Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Norman (Con) who says the board has not satisfactory explained why the scheme failed to meet its criteria for funding.

He said: “Colts Hill scored low for policy compatibility but I can’t understand what aspects of policy it could rate low on – it’s a major strategic link and will be the route between two hospitals.”

Mr Clark has now asked to see documents explaining the board’s assessment of the Colts Hill scheme.

“If I think there are flaws in the assessment," he stressed. I want it to be revisited straight away. It’s important we keep the pressure on for the route to be upgraded.”

Martin Tugwell, head of regional transport planning for the South East England Regional Assembly, defended the board’s decision.

“This is about relative priorities. You have to ask how does Colts Hill compare in relative terms. We have been charged by the Government to address transport priorities and choices have to be made.”

But Carol Mackonochie, who lives on the A228 at Colts Hill, said the fight would continue: “As far as I’m concerned the board are just another bunch of bureaucrats and we’ll treat them no differently than we did before. KCC’s taking an active role and we’ll carry on campaigning.”

The board’s decision follows a report from planning firms Scott Wilson and Levett-Therivel urging KCC to think again about supporting the Colts Hill bypass, claiming it may only offer short-term local benefits relevant to its cost.