Plans to upgrade Northfleet train station have been put on hold after it was rated a low priority compared to other Thames Gateway projects.

The upgrade, which would have linked it to nearby Ebbsfleet station via a pedestrian walkway, was initially earmarked for government funding by 2011, but that now looks unlikely.

The Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) identified 15 Thames Gateway projects as being low strategic priorities for investment in the next round of government spending, up to 2011.

It followed a review into how the remaining unallocated cash would be spent - as the amount fell well short of the funding needed for all 41 proposals on the table.

The review rated 16 projects as a high priority for funding, including an upgrade to Dartford train station, and a further ten as medium.

A spokesman for the HCA said the review was necessary to target the available funding to those projects of the highest strategic importance and which are capable of being delivered quickly, between now and March 31 2011.

He added: "In terms of Northfleet train station, it is of a lower strategic priority than other projects in the area, which was a decision developed and agreed with partners locally.

"However this is not the end for the scheme as we will continue to review all the potential projects in the Thames Gateway and allocate funding appropriately to get the best result for the community."