Road closures which were only announced yesterday have been postponed as part of efforts to “minimise inconvenience”.

Swale Way, in Kemsley, near Sittingbourne, which connects the Eurolink Industrial Estate with the A249, was set to face 23 days of works in two separate closures, between Lloyd Drive and the Grovehurst Roundabout in August and September.

However today, Jacksons Civil Engineering, which has been contracted by KCC Highways to deliver the £32.7 million scheme to revamp the roundabout, announced a change of plan.

It said: “Earlier this week we shared with you our plan for closing parts of Swale Way for a number of weeks in August and at the beginning of September.

“We understand people are tired of delays in the area. While our works will cause some disruption, we have always been clear that our aim is to minimise inconvenience to the travelling public wherever possible.

“That is why we are postponing the roadworks. Instead, we will create a temporary road which will run parallel to Swale Way and connect to the Grovehurst Road roundabout.”

The new plans for a temporary road will take vehicles travelling in both directions and will maintain traffic flow at all times.

The company added that the utility works required in Swale Way are now expected to take place later this year, giving time for it to build the temporary road.

The new date for the works, which are to allow for the installation of services and drainage, are yet to be revealed.