Long-running plans for a new junction on the M20 near Ashford look set to edge closer this week after years of delay and uncertainty.

The junction 10a scheme is one of six that the Department for Transport is being asked to support as a funding priority in the south east.

The project is just one of two in Kent being promoted by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) for a share of a £66m allocation for transport from the government’s growth fund.

The new 10a junction was first mooted in 2001 but was effectively sidelined last year by the government as part of the public spending budget cuts.

The new junction is considered crucial in providing access to several key developments - including Cheeseman’s Green, Waterbrook and Sevington.

Under the plans, a new junction (10a) would be built 700 metres south east of the existing junction 10, with a roundabout over the motorway, new slip roads and a new link to the A2070 Bad Munstereifel Road.

Full story in this week's Kentish Express.