The proposed Bexhill-to-Hastings link road will skirt the edge of a protected wildlife site if the Government backs council proposals.

East Sussex County Council chose a modified version of the blue route for the planned road consulted on earlier this year.

Twenty-four per cent of people who took part in the consultation backed this route, which passes the northern edge of the Combe Haven site of special scientific interest.

More people supported another route, which crossed the centre of the valley but it was rejected because of the environmental damage it would cause.

Environment councillor Matthew Lock said the new road was needed to reduce traffic on the A259 and to help regenerate the two seaside towns.

He said: "I am confident the blue route is the best way ahead for the new road and for the people of Bexhill and Hastings.

"We have worked closely at every stage with the major environmental bodies and we know how important it is the new road is developed with minimum impact on the local area's land, scenery and wildlife."

Mike Turner, of Hastings Friends of the Earth, said building anywhere near Combe Haven would damage the valley and traffic levels would not be reduced.

He said: "It will do nothing at all to reduce traffic congestion because it is designed to open up land north of Bexhill and that will generate traffic."

Papers presented to councillors said Combe Haven was probably the finest medium-sized valley in East Sussex, outside areas of outstanding natural interest, with wildlife interest and peaceful countryside.

Wednesday June 09, 2004