THURROCK Council leader John Kent says they remain opposed to government plans for a new river crossing in the borough, and accused Westminster of not listening to the voices against the proposals.

The issue of the crossing is back in focus after Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle-Price revealed a survey she ran which showed 90 percent of respondents were in favour of a new crossing, though many don’t want to see it in the borough.

The government is expected to start consulting on its preferred option early in the New Year.

Mr Kent said: “Over recent weeks there have been increased online discussions about these plans and residents whose homes and lives are under threat need to know exactly where their local council and their local councillor stands on the issue.

“As people will understand, Thurrock Council has been involved in discussions with government about their proposals over the past year or so while ministers, the Highways Agency and to a certain extent, MPs have kept their heads down.

“Well, the time for choosing sides is fast approaching. I can't go into too much detail about the latest plans - I haven't been shown them yet - but I can say I believe the government is still looking at two basic options for crossing the river, both in Thurrock.

“They haven't been listening to us.”

Mr Kent added both options will mean more pollution and stress on local roads.

He said: “No matter what happens then, our Green Belt and our heritage will be threatened by tons of concrete and tarmacadam roads; no matter what happens noise and air pollution in and north of Tilbury will be unacceptable; and no matter what happens then, the centre and east of our borough will become susceptible to the same type of congestion West Thurrock is already used to.”