by business editor Trevor Sturgess

An economy-boosting group has welcomed plans to widen the A21 between Tonbridge and Pembury - but drivers should not expect any relief before 2015.

The notorious bottleneck has caused hours of frustration and will continue to do so for at least three years.

But at least there is hope following the government annoucement that "development work" will start on this and the M25-A13 junction 30 at Thurrock.

The two schemes are part of a package of six the government is seeking to develop nationally so that "proposals will be in a good position to be considered for delivery in the early years of the next spending review period (post 2015)".

The South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) - a grouping of business, council and education chiefs from Kent, Medway, Essex and East Sussex - had identified both schemes as key priorities.

It is hoped they will help unlock and stimulate growth to help achieve the goal of creating the most enterprising economy in England.

While welcoming the minister’s announcement, SLEEP called on the government to ensure the schemes are introduced as early as possible following the spending review.

SELEP chairman John Spence said: "SELEP is committed to creating the most enterprising economy in England and an effective transport system is a vital pre-requisite, so this news is both great for the area and a triumph for all those who have been making and promoting the business case.

"We will all look forward to the day when these schemes are in place and we will now press on highlighting the importance of our other transport priorities in order to unlock the full growth and economic potential of the area."