Drivers have welcomed new traffic lights at a junction which was closed for eight months.

Newtown Road in Ashford finally reopened on Friday afternoon following a 32-week closure which sparked traffic hell for motorists.

The reopening is not permanent as the stretch is set to be closed again in April for a further 10 weeks, but drivers say the lights are an improvement.

Contractors shut the route at the junction with Romney Marsh Road in April to remove two roundabouts and fit traffic lights instead as part of the £90m Designer Outlet expansion.

The work has now been completed, but a further closure is needed to introduce traffic calming measures next year.

Cllr David Smith, ward member for South Willesborough, says he is pleased with the changes.

“I’ve used the junction from all directions and there have been no long delays,” he said.

“We often had difficulty getting out onto the roundabout from Newtown with drivers going at 40mph, so I think it is safer."

Are you a fan of the lights? Email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk or comment below