HIGHWAYS England have sent out around 300 letters to residents in Thurrock whose homes may be affected by the new Thames crossing proposals.

The Gazette yesterday reported residents had to started to receive letters telling them their property and land could be needed depending on which route the government decide on.

The letter read: "Whilst there is no definite decision on a route yet, I am writing to advise you that your property or land is on or near one of the routes for consideration and it is possible that some or all of your property or land may be needed in the future to enable the crossing to go ahead.”

The letter was met with disbelief by many in Thurrock who are still getting over this week’s announcement that the governments preferred route is a tunnel that will land in between Tilbury and East Tilbury, before running through Chadwell St Mary, Orsett and Ockendon before joining the M25.

Thurrock Gazette:

This letter has been sent to around 300 homes

A Highways spokeswoman confirmed letters were being sent to residents as part of the consultation process.

She said: "As part of our consultation about route options for a new Lower Thames Crossing, we have written to any landowner who may be affected by the three potential routes. Around 300 letters have been sent in total.

"The consultation we launched on Tuesday is a chance for people to have their say and we would encourage anyone to find out more or come and see us at one of our public exhibitions."

Route three would be 14.2 miles long with an estimated cost of up to £5.9 billion. Highways also estimate up to 14 residential properties could be affected, as well as 22 traveller plots and three agricultural sites.

They estimate with public funding the route could be ready by 2025, and with private funding 2027.

An online petition against the proposals has reached nearly 8,000 names. It can be signed at you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/stop-the-new-lower-thames-crossing-into-essex

A number of public are due to take place in Thurrock in the coming weeks in line with the consultation, which runs until March 24. For more information and to take part go to lower-thames-crossing.co.uk