HUNDREDS of jobs will be created with an improved link to Newhaven Port approved.

The government has committed £10 million to the Newhaven Port Access Road scheme to move HGVs away from using unsuitable roads.

The £23 million project will allow direct access into the East Quay area of Newhaven Port, and will help create 436 jobs – indirectly supporting a further 1,430 – around Newhaven.

It will take HGVs away from Railway Road and Beach Road, which are unsuitable for the heavy vehicles and will also support Newhaven Enterprise Zone through the unlocking of an additional 80,000 square metres of business space.

Transport Minister Nusrat Ghani said: “Newhaven Port was one of my first visits as Maritime Minister and that is why I am delighted that we are investing in improvements to the road connections between our key economic areas and our ports.

“This scheme will reduce the number of lorries on currently busy local roads – making life easier for others using the roads.

“The new access road will create hundreds of new jobs, while also supporting the Newhaven Enterprise Zone, further boosting the local economy.”

Cyclists and pedestrians will be able to use a new cycleway and path alongside the new road.

The works are due to start shortly and are scheduled to be completed in February 2020.

East Sussex County Council will provide the remaining £13.02 million.

Cllr Rupert Simmons, East Sussex County Council lead member for economy, said: “We very much welcome approval of the Government funding.”