A MEETING with highways officials has left an MP convinced that the Government is dragging its heels over vital road improvements.

Archie Norman, Conservative MP for Tunbridge Wells, has been at the forefront of the battle to get key sections of the A21 London to Hastings trunk road created as dual carriageways.

Two years ago he was assured that the Castle Hill stretch between Tonbridge and Pembury, and a further single lane section south of Pembury, would be dualled and improved, with work completed by 2008.

But the disappointed MP said: "Now it looks as if work will not even start by then. The Highways Agency has been asked to enter into a consultation with the South East Regional Assembly over the scheme.

"This is just a shallow excuse for a delay by ministers in order to spread the cost over several more years, and a lot of local people feel betrayed."

Mr Norman said the A21 was among the 100 most dangerous roads in the country, with a long history of fatal and serious injury accidents. Commuters also found it slow and time-consuming to use.

The MP said: "Had improvements gone ahead in 1997 we would have a decent road by now, and several people who are dead might still be alive."

Although Mr Norman plans to stand down at the next general election, he said: "I still want to say to local people, we will get this done."

Greg Clark, chosen to fight the seat being vacated by Mr Norman on behalf of the Conservative Party, was also at the meeting, held at the A21 Lamberhurst bypass site office.

He said: "Archie Norman has been a very effective and passionate campaigner on this issue. If I am elected, I shall make it a top priority to continue the fight to secure these improvements."

After the meeting, held in private, the Highways Agency officials present declined to make any further comment.