A NEW £29 million road designed to ease traffic congestion has moved a step closer.

A plan to construct the A228 Leybourne and West Malling bypass has been given final approval by transport minister Charlotte Atkins.

She said: "I am pleased to give full approval to this scheme, which will address congestion and road safety. This scheme demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing transport infrastructure to serve local communities.

"I look forward to hearing about progress on the construction of this road and its successful completion."

The Leybourne and West Malling Corridor Improvement scheme was provisionally accepted in December 2002, subject to the completion of relevant statutory procedures and final approval by ministers.

Work is expected to begin later this spring.