A £5m scheme to improve the road system on the North Farm Industrial Estate has moved one step closer with the announcement of the main contractor.

Kent Highways has appointed the main contract to Lafarge Tarmac and work is due to start in the middle of next month. Preliminary site and vegetation clearance was completed in May.

Greg commented:

"Sorting out the traffic nightmare of North Farm is a massive step forward. Everyone who lives or works in West Kent knows how notorious the North Farm issue is. This project is a great example of team work between the Government, Kent County Council, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and local landowners, and I'm grateful to all of them for their efforts. With the A21 dualling now approved, at long last Tunbridge Wells can begin to stop its reputation for gridlock."

The proposed scheme aims to improve existing highway capacity by:

widening Longfield Road between Dowding Way Roundabout and the A21 Roundaboutintroducing a new roundabout at Kingstanding Way/Longfield Road junctionintroducing a new roundabout to replace T-junction at Knights Park /Longfield Road junctionproviding a gyratory style junction at Great Lodge/Longfield Road junction

The funding is being provided under the Department for Transport's Local Pinch Point Fund Scheme. The overall scheme will cost £5m, with Kent Council Council will be contributing £1.5m towards the project.