The UK transport minister has welcomed a new route between Bexhill and Hastings that is set to cut journey times and support new homes and jobs in their thousands.

The road link will cost £120 million and is planned to boost the East Sussex economy and improve the travel along the south coast of England.

Named Combe Valley Way, this road has been long-awaited to help reduce congestion all throughout the local area.

Apart from easing traffic problems along the Hastings seafront and its surrounding coastal roads, the building of the link road is planned to help deliver 2,000 new homes and 3,000 new jobs.

Speaking on the opening of the road, transport minister Andrew Jones said: "This road is further evidence of this government's commitment to improving the UK's transport infrastructure, creating new opportunities for the development of new homes, business and jobs."

Companies are already moving into a new business park next to the new route and a bus route is also planned for operation along the Hastings-Bexhill link.