Work to transform a town centre forecourt could begin in less than a year after a council agreed to stump up the remainder cost of the £1million project.

Sandwich Town Council (STC) last night passed a motion to contribute up to £350,000 via a 50-year loan from the Public Works Loan Board, to enable work on the Guildhall Market Square to commence.

While councillors David Wood, Paul Carter and Danielle Carter didn't agree with the method in which the funding was being sourced, all supported the scheme.

The approved transformation includes resurfacing along with the installation of new seating, lighting, a bus shelter and water fountain and is aimed to transform the town for tourists. There will also be a reconfiguration of nearby roads.

The work will take around 20 months to complete and could begin as early as autumn 2020.

Cllr David Wood said: "I'm fully behind the project, I really do think this should go ahead but I don't agree with the payment plan, something that we will still be paying back in 50 years time.

"I'd be happy if we could split this proposition in two, reduce the loan in size by releasing some capital from the Tollbridge Fund."

But Cllr Anne Fox said: "I think this the driver for the New Vision for Sandwich and we must jump on it. If we don't we'll be laughed out of court."

Cllr MJ Holloway added: "Tonight is decision time. The stakeholders are all ready to go. There are pressures otherwise they could withdraw in the New Year.

"We haven't had anything like this for a long time and it's time we the town council stepped up."

Since approval for the scheme was granted in July 2018, STC has been "actively seeking external funding" for the modernisation.

There have been rejections for funding from The Heritage Lottery Fund and Coastal Communities Fund, meaning it couldn't be completed in time for The Open golf championship in 2020.

But a funding package made up of £400,000 from Dover District Council, £75,000 from the R&A, £50,000 from Discovery Park and £25,000 from Princes Golf Club, plus Highway contingencies costs paid by Kent County County, has now been agreed in principle.

STC is "optimistic" that there will be other pledges coming forward meaning the town council's loan could be reduced.

It looks to be signed off in the early part of next year with the work then going out to tender.

Cllr Holloway said: "We know this is a very sensitive part of the town.

"The idea is that only one summer will be disturbed.

"Provision will be made for the businesses, markets and the events.

"There will be new temporary arrangements put in place following proper consultation to ensure that Sandwich can continue to function."

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