Villagers insist there is still more to be done despite claiming a small victory in their campaign to reduce noise from the M20.

Residents in Birling, Ryarsh, and Addington were furious earlier this year after being told they will not get noise dampening barriers as part of a smart motorway upgrade, despite them being built for residents just a few miles up the road.

The stretch of the route between junctions 3 and 4 will not have the barriers installed, but the stretch between junctions 4 and 5, passing New Hythe, Leybourne, New Hythe, and Aylesford, will benefit from the installation.

This week, the campaign received a boost after it emerged Highways England had decided to resurface the stretch in full with low-noise asphalt, having previously only committed to using the sound-reducing material on the new carriageway's two inside lanes.

Noise complaints have increased since Highways England chopped down multiple trees along the motorway in March.

Daniel Mortimer, who lives in Roughetts Row, just yards from the M20, said the use of low-noise asphalt is "an unexpected success" but warned "it's still not the full package".

He said: "They have listened but it's taken a hell of a lot of pressure from the people of Ryarsh and the local MPs - we shouldn't have to batter at their door to try and get equality.

"We just want the same as what everyone else is getting."

Tonbridge and Malling MP Tom Tugendhat, along with neighbouring colleague Tracey Crouch, has led much of the fight in recent months.

He said: "I’m delighted that Highways England have finally agreed that resurfacing all four lanes of the motorway will happen during these works.

"Along with stronger landscaping which we secured a couple of months ago, a quieter road surface will help mitigate the impact of additional traffic for properties nearby.

"Not only this, but it will also make the smart motorway easier to drive on as the surface will be the same on all lanes.”

Brian Luker, councillor for West Malling and Leybourne, added: “Residents in Leybourne and Leybourne Chase frequently raise the issue of noise from the motorway, and since the trees were cut down in March it has been much worse.

"I’m pleased that we’ve been able to work together to deliver a quieter road surface as part of the project, and get greater tree protection for homes after the project.

"This will make a significant difference to residents and help keep our communities great places to live.”