The public will get their say on a controversial road scheme during a consultation expected to begin next month.

East Sussex County Council hopes the exercise will allow it to make a decision on the proposed Bexhill-Hastings link in the summer.

Environment campaigners have criticised the proposed road, which would run from the Sidley area of Bexhill to the B2092 Queensway, Hastings.

In 2001, the Government rejected a £240 million combined eastern and western bypass of the two towns for environmental reasons.

Council leader Peter Jones said the new scheme would relieve traffic congestion and open up much-needed sites for business and housing development.

He said: "It is absolutely vital to the overall regeneration of the area."

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling has told the council to draw up a scheme for the link road which takes account of the environmental impact.

A major road study of the South Coast recommended building to the north of the Combe Haven site of special scientific interest, between the two built-up areas.

The council consultation, expected to be agreed on January 12, will include that proposal and other routes across and around the wildlife site.

Colin Murray, of East Sussex Transport 2000, said the road would cause massive environmental damage and the economic benefits were uncertain.

He said: "We see it as the son of the western bypass the Government rejected and we are opposed to it as we were back then."

Monday January 05, 2004