YEARS of campaigning, planning and construction has come to fruition with the opening of a new bypass.

The A228 Leybourne and West Malling Bypass was finally opened to traffic with an official ceremony at lunchtime on Wednesday.

Responsibility for cutting the ribbon on the long-awaited link road fell to Kent County Council leader, Cllr Paul Carter (Con), who was joined by fellow KCC officers, representatives from contractors Birse, and county councillor for Malling North, Sarah Hohler (Con).

Before a crowd of about 70 people, they were treated to a rendition of a hymn sung in praise of the road by children from Leybourne Primary School, entitled Thank You Lord For This New Road.

The first vehicle to drive along the bypass was a coach containing Cllr Carter and invited guests.

Cllr Carter said: “Congratulations should go to everyone in our supply chain, and to the contractors who have built it - bar two weeks - on time and on budget.”

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK'S KENT MESSENGER