A controversial Sussex bypass scheme won key backing today, to the frustration of environment campaigners.

Opponents of the scheme have promised to wage a "second Battle of Hastings" over planned bypasses for the town and neighbouring Bexhill.

They say it could prompt mass protests similar to those seen at Newbury and Twyford Down.

The South East England Regional Assembly today supported the proposals. The final decision will rest with Deputy premier John Prescott.

The package of measures they approved, with the aim of regenerating Hastings, includes the A259 Bexhill bypass and both eastern and western Hastings relief roads.

Local authorities and motorists have also backed the plan.

But pressure group Friends of the Earth opposes it and today members lobbied the Transport Department's HQ in London, wearing 1066-era costumes.

They want Mr Prescott to throw out the scheme.

FoE transport campaigner Tony Bosworth said: "John Prescott's decision on the Hastings bypasses will determine whether New Labour is prepared to drive roads through our most beautiful landscapes and best wildlife sites.

"This is the first big test of Government policy and Mr Prescott must stand firm. If he caves in and approves the new roads he'll have a second Battle of Hastings on his hands."

The assembly's regional planning and transport director, Mike Gwilliam, said: "Hastings is the most deprived district in the South-East region and is identified in both regional planning guidance and regional economic strategy as a very high priority for regeneration.

"The assembly considers that a very substantial transport investment programme must be an essential component of a wider regeneration programme for the Hastings area."

East Sussex County Council's representative, Councillor Mike Skinner, said: "Our traffic problems are set to get much worse if these bypasses are not built."