RESIDENTS will be asked their opinions about the possible building of a replacement A27.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling announced the plan during a meeting in Polegate yesterday.

He said the Government would fund a survey into building the new road to the north of the railway line.

He said funds of up to £3 million for the survey would come from the £75 million A27 improvement fund revealed last October.

The meeting was held between Eastbourne unLtd Chamber of Commerce and Conservative candidate for Eastbourne, Caroline Ansell.

Christina Ewbank, chief executive of Eastbourne unLtd, said: “The chamber held a far ranging discussion with Chris Grayling and Caroline Ansell about the A27, Southern Rail, the black top specification of UK roads and Gatwick Airport.

“We are pleased to announce that the secretary of state for transport has committed to ring fence £3 million for a full offline study into a new A27 north of the railway line.

“We look forward to working with the study group to ensure the views of our business community and local residents are taken into account.”

Mrs Ansell said: “This announcement is great news and a massive step forward in the campaign to get an A27 bypass between Lewes and Polegate.”