THE Leybourne and West Malling bypass moved a giant step closer to reality this week with news that the county council has secured over £20 million towards its cost.

Work may now start on the long-awaited bypass in mid-2004, enabling it to open within four years.

The Government announced has announced it would allow Kent County Council the £20 million it was hoping to receive towards improvement to the A228 corridor.

Private developers or taxpayers will have to fund £8 million more to give the project the green light. The bypass will relieve Leybourne of congestion. Castle Way is currently used by around 29,000 vehicles every day. It will also provide a better access to the M20