CANDIDATES fighting to be the next Thurrock MP have reacted to the latest new Thames crossing announcement.

Yesterday Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said a new crossing is likely to be in Thurrock, after ruling out what would have been option D – a crossing further east in Canvey.

Tory candidate Jackie Doyle-Price, who’s hoping for a second term in office next week, has already said she opposes any new crossing in the borough – whether that’s options A by the current crossing on option C in Tilbury – and maintained her stance following the secretary’s announcement.

She said she will continue to fight against the plans and is adamant that Thurrock’s road would not be able to cope with a new crossing and the thousands of extra cars it would bring.

Ukip's Tim Aker said the announcement was proof that the Tories view Thurrock as a "dumping ground".

He said: "Once again it is clear that the Tories view Thurrock as an overspill and a dumping ground.

"The Tories have let Thurrock down. They have over developed our borough and now want another crossing that will cause travel chaos and cut our borough in half.

"I have always opposed a Thames Crossing and this will be a red line issue for me in Parliament. Thurrock must stop being a dumping ground for Labour and the Tories.

"By voting for me next Thursday, residents will get a Thurrock born and bred MP who will fight for this borough and do everything I can to stop us being dumped on by the government."

Labour’s Polly Billington is also opposed the idea of a new crossing in Thurrock, and said the Conservatives have not listened to the people of Thurrock.

She added: “Thurrock does not benefit from either option A or C. Both will only worsen air quality for residents and put more pressure on our roads.

“For too long Thurrock’s voice has been drowned out by bigger and stronger voices from Essex and Kent. I will fight to change that.

“We need an MP with a practical solution, not one that will protest and achieve nothing. A Labour Government will put Option D back on the table."

Mike Le-Surf, who is standing for Labour in South Basildon and East Thurrock, is also opposed to the plans. Option C would run through the heart of his constiuency.

He said: "The current transport minister is clear that under a Tory government the Lower Thames Crossing will go through Thurrock. Option C would be a disaster for East Thurrock residents and will devastate our countryside and ruin Orsett for ever.

"The Tory MPs in Thurrock have not been able to change Mr. McLoughlin's mind.  So its clear. If you vote Tory you could end up with a motorway through your village."

Mr McLoughlan said he first wanted to see how the new free flow tolling system, which came into effect in November, was being managed before making a decision.