Thanet residents and motorists alike have breathed a collective sigh of relief, following an announcement that a vital new road to ease congestion around Westwood Cross will open before the end of the week.

Senior councillors officially opened the long-awaited Thanet Access Road today (Tuesday).

The one kilometre route leaves the existing A256 Haine Road at a new roundabout close to the St John's Avenue junction and emerges at the rear of the leisure park, near to the Saga offices.

The road, which provides footpaths and cycleways on either side, also opens up access to the Eurokent business park and the Marlowe Academy.

Cllr Sandy Ezekiel, leader of Thanet council, said: "This project is vital to Thanet’s continued economic development and will greatly improve transport links through the centre of the area.

"In some ways Westwood Cross has been a victim of its own success but this road, whilst not a solution to all the problems, will help ease congestion and open Thanet for business."