THE leader of Thurrock Council has called on the government to make clear its plan for a potential new Thames Crossing.

As the Gazette reported in May, transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said it was likely that a new crossing will end up in Thurrock despite protests from residents, MP Jackie Doyle-Price and the council.

However it is now a year since the government said it would make a decision on option A – a crossing by the current bridge, or option C – a new bridge landing in Tilbury.

Leader John Kent said clarity must be given on what happens next, and a better option would be to invest in public transport in Thurrock instead.

Mr Kent said: “I am starting to wonder whether it will happen at all as, in PR terms, I am sure the government would love to announce a load of £500 million road schemes rather than one big crossing costing billions.

“Although that might be welcome, until the government actually makes up its mind we are still left hanging. We don’t know whether we’re going to have to fight Option A or Option C – or none; many of our homes are still blighted by the possibility of a new motorway nearby; and our businesses and potential investors don’t know where to put their money.

He added: “What might be an even better idea in these times of government austerity, is that the government takes just one per cent of that £3 to £4 billion - £30 to 40 million – and gives it to Thurrock to use on improving public transport in the area. If they did the same south of the river too I’m sure we could co-operate with an improved, properly integrated and affordable public transport system there too.”

He said: “We have always said ‘none of the above’ to the government’s proposed options, we don’t think a new crossing is needed, and certainly not in Thurrock – we’ve got two tunnels and a bridge, that’s enough.”

Mr Kent went on to say: “Both of our MPs (Ms Doyle Price and South Basildon and East Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe) have agreed with us that Thurrock is not the right place for another crossing and I would urge them to use their influence with ministers to speed things along and to get the right result.”