CHANCELLOR George Osborne said a new Thames crossing “needs to happen” on a visit to South Ockendon this morning.

Mr Osborne was at Persimmon’s housing development in Arsidale Avenue, alongside Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle-Price, to see how construction was getting on just a day after he announced 400,000 new homes would be built in the country by 2020 as part of his spending review.

Speaking to the Gazette about the proposed crossing, Mr Osborne said a new crossing was a “necessary” part of the country’s economic infrastructure, and that local views must be heard on the project.

He said: “When we build a big project like this we’ve got to take into account local community concerns and get it right. But do I think we need a new crossing over the Thames? Yes I do.

“We’ve got to get the location right and we’re looking at the various options. But in the end the traffic congestion is only going to get more as businesses grow here and there are more jobs and so on, so we’ve got to make sure we build for the future. The lower Thames crossing is a necessary part of the country’s economic infrastructure and the future.

He added: “Think of what would have happened If people hadn’t of built the bridge in the past. Get the location right and listen to the concerns of local communities, but in the end the crossing needs to happen.”

The government is expected to announce its intentions for a new crossing in the next few weeks. Option A would see a new crossing next the current bridge, and Option C land near Tilbury.

Ms Doyle-Price said she and the Chancellor have had “vigorous” discussions over a new crossing, and that currently two corridors were being discussed.

She said: “The real detailed work on the route has still got to take place, and it’s very important at that stage our voice continues to be heard.

“But the reality is… just take a look. The traffic volumes aren’t going to get any less, and every time there’s an incident on the A13 or M25 Thurrock is gridlocked. So wherever it goes there will be improvement for Thurrock but we’ve just got to get that route right.”

Mr Osborne also visited Thurrock the day after the budget in March. He went to Travis Perkins in Tilbury the day the company announced it was to create 4,000 jobs across the country.