Drivers are facing yet another closure of the A20 in Ashford - but the latest roadworks have nothing to do with the nearby Junction 10a scheme.

Highways bosses have shut the road in both directions between the Pilgrims Hospice and Tesco Extra, sending motorists on a lengthy diversion via the A2070.

Closures of the road are nothing new, with drivers forced to put up with traffic lights and delays for months as contractors work on the £104m M20 junction.

But the latest roadworks are not connected to the huge junction project and have instead been brought in to allow workers to install gas mains and an electricity network for the 192-home Hinxhill Park scheme.

Drivers are being forced to use the A2070 and the new link road leading off the Junction 10a roundabout instead.

UK Power Networks says it is due to finish its part of the works by Friday, but Kent County Council says the road is due to remain closed until Sunday, January 19.

Drivers can still access the Pilgrims Hospice, but only via the new Junction 10a roundabout.

Jon Sillett, head of hospice services at the charity, says staff are staying in contact with highways bosses.

“The hospice has remained accessible since the A20 road closure, and will continue to be accessible at all times to ensure that patient services can still operate,” he said.

“We are in constant contact with Highways England and the contractor to ensure that any impact on the hospice is minimised.”

The huge Hinxhill Park housing scheme will include a new link road between Hinxhill Road and the A20, connecting to the rear entrance at the back of the William Harvey.

The 24-acre site will feature 22 two-bed houses, 83 three-bed and 70 four-bed, as well as a number of flats.

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