A possible solution to traffic problems whenever there is a serious accident on a stretch of road could be found.

The east end of the Island becomes cut off if there is a crash on Jenkins Hill in Leysdown Road, Eastchurch.

Pensioners were among five people hurt in a serious two-vehicle collision there last month which prompted calls for measures to be taken to provide an alternative route.

At the moment the only other option to motorists is to brave the unmade and virtually impassable Donkey Hill at Warden Point.

There have been recent calls to resurface this road to make it easier for vehicles to use.

MP Gordon Henderson wrote to Kent Highways to point out that a review of the road had already been carried out determine what the options were.

He said he received a response saying there was a plan to build a cycle lane at the side of Jenkins Hill which could be reinforced to take vehicles in the event the road had to be closed.

He added a bid had been submitted to pay for the work and it could start as early as 2015.

Mr Henderson said: “This is good news for communities in the east end of Sheppey who become isolated when the road is closed. Obviously, I will be supporting the bid.”

A county council spokesman confirmed a bid had been submitted for funding for the new route.