BUSINESS leaders have welcomed the news that a £1.3million slip road off the A2 in a Kent city has moved a step nearer.

Paul Barrett, chairman of C4B (Canterbury for Business), said: "This is fantastic news for the district and should help cut congestion in the city."

County councillors have backed plans for a new London-bound slip road off the A2 at Wincheap as a way of solving the chronic traffic problems around Canterbury.

The final decision will be taken by Roger Gough, KCC’s cabinet member for regeneration, before Christmas.