Work on Tonbridge High Street fell behind schedule before Christmas, but project bosses say they hope to catch up in the New Year.

The £2.65m regeneration project, set to transform the town’s main shopping area, halted last month and will and restart on Monday, January 4.

High Street traders have remained open for business throughout the project, which has hit several hurdles along the way.

The project is being delivered by Kent County Council, in partnership with Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council.

A project spokesman said several factors have delayed work. They added: "We found a very shallow BT cable with some power cables below which meant that we couldn’t just lower the ducting but instead had to get BT on site and agree some protection measures which involved a concrete slab over the cables to ensure they weren’t damaged by lorries in the loading areas.

"We had some delays in Vale Road due to issues getting the power supplies connected by UK Power Networks for the new crossing.

"We had to re-do the brickwork on the roundabout island due to poor workmanship.

"The general progress has also been slower than expected and we will be significantly increasing the workforce on site in the new year to get us back on programme and complete the work in April."

A spokesman for Kent County Council said work is several weeks behind schedule, but said project teams are hopeful they will catch up in the new year.

Borough council leader, Nicolas Heslop, said: "Following a meeting with Kent County Council and I am glad to say it has recognised the need for improvements and to ensure that the works are completed as efficiently as possible.

"There is no doubt in my mind that this project, once completed will be of great benefit to the town and help to make the High Street a welcoming and pleasant shopping environment."

Bosses say the end result will boost the local economy and enhance the historic area of the town.

Widening of pavements, improvements to the road surface, establishing a 20mph zone and designated delivery areas for businesses are all included in the scheme.

An extension of the temporary one-way section of the High Street - to include Medway Wharf Road – came into force this month to allow new utility connections for a private development at Bradford Street, then further works associated with the High Street project.

Avebury Avenue will be one-way from the High Street towards River Lawn Road from Monday, January 4 for up to one week to allow new connections into the existing drainage system.

For more information and to submit feedback, click here or for specific queries call Kent County Council on 03000 418181.