THURROCK Council is planning a public meeting in Orsett next month to let people know the latest position on proposals for a new Lower Thames Crossing Option C.
Leader of the Council, Cllr John Kent said: “Last year we held an excellent public meeting in the council chamber to discuss all three potential options then on offer, our opposition to all three, and to talk about next steps.
“Now things have moved on, though not in the way – or as quickly – as we wanted, so we need to ensure local people are made aware of the latest position.”
The meeting is scheduled for 7pm on Wednesday, 2 April, 7pm start – doors open at 6.30pm – at the Orsett Hall Pavillion.
Cllr Kent said: “It seems to me that everyone living or working in east of the borough and especially West Tilbury, Chadwell, Orsett Heath, Orsett and Bulphan will be concerned about the impact the Option C motorway would have on them and their families.
“In addition, everyone in Thurrock who wants to defend the Green Belt, defend our heritage, and who is concerned about local water courses, flood plains and low-lying land in the borough should come along.
“We have invited MPs, ministers, civil servants and many of the local people who attended our previous special overview and scrutiny committee and public meeting in the chamber.
“Having spoken with our officers I am particularly concerned for some of the borough’s historical sites and how these proposals will impact on the villages and the Mardyke Valley and the fens north of Orsett and around Bulphan.
“If Option C is chosen will the motorway linking the river crossing with the M25 travel on stilts alongside the Mardyke? It can’t be in a cutting – that would just become a canal – and it can’t be an embankment – that would just lead to flooding.
“There are similar problems crossing the marshes between Tilbury and Coalhouse forts, let along the damage to the Green Belt, towns and villages which will ensue between Tilbury and Orsett.”
The meeting at Orsett Hall will be open to all and further communications will follow detailing any agenda or confirming who is attending.
This is a good idea and I’m glad to see the council continuing to defend us against these proposals.
The national Tories are complete idiots for trying to push another crossing so close to the existing one. Whether its the lower Thames crossing or the HS2 rail line, they really are walkng all over the very people who they will want to vote for them next year.
Any new crossings should either be in East London linking Beckton with Thamesmead and another one linking Dagenham with Erith could be viable or a crossing over Canvey linking up to the A130.