PEOPLE living in the Wrotham area are a step closer to a reduction in noise levels from the nearby M20 motorway. The Highways Agency has started to look into the details of resurfacing the M20 from the top of Wrotham Hill to its junction with the M26.

The stretch of road has been a noise hot spot for more than two years according to criteria set by the Government, with the noise regularly exceeding 80 decibels. A quieter road surface could be laid down by 2004.

Cllr Sarah Hohler (Con), Kent County Council's deputy leader and cabinet member for strategic planning, said: "Those who live in Wrotham and neighbouring villages, especially those in Pilgrim's Way and Old London Road, suffer from the noise and vibrations caused by continuous heavy vehicle traffic.

"I hope that before too long the road will be resurfaced and their lives will be more peaceful and their nights less disturbed."

Robin Vince, clerk to Wrotham Parish Council, said: "There's been a good deal of concern in the village about both the noise from traffic and, perhaps even more importantly, vibrations in houses caused by the motorway as well."

Mr Vince said the village had suffered from vibrations for the last three years. He added: "The parish council is certain that the latest types of surfacing would reduce the noise quite significantly but councillors are also hopeful further investigations will be carried out into the vibrations in houses."