Joint contract for new link road

Contracts have been awarded to two companies for the construction of the Bexhill to Hastings link road.

East Sussex County council awarded Hochtief and Vinci the deal to design and construct the new road.

Studies have shown the scheme will help regenerate the area by providing the transport conditions to support local businesses.

Councillor Matthew Lock said: "It'll bring real benefits to the two towns, including better access to jobs."

He said the benefits would also include "fewer cars using roads that aren't suitable for them; opportunities for housing and business development; access to education and a reduction in the number of accidents on local roads".

The scheme will commence in 2010 and it is expected to open by the end of 2012.