MEMBERS of the Thames Crossing Action Group have visited various sites where exploratory work is being carried out in preparation for the Lower Thames Crossing.

Although the scheme has not even been approved and is subject to much local objection in Thurrock, Highwayd England has commissioned the work so if the scheme is approved they can begin relatively quickly.

Many fields and rural sites on the proposed route of the link to the M25 after crossing the Thames via a tunnel near East Tilbury now have teams of workers and drilling rigs in them.

Members of the group, who were joined by local councillor Fraser Massey for the part of the visit to the Core Store facility.

Leading campaigner Laura Blake who was on the visit says concerns were raised about flooding in the area and also the impact the work will have on two historic landfill sites, one of which is already causing environmental concern as rubbish is being to leak into the river Thames as the bank is eroded.

A full report on the visit can be found by clicking the 'additional info' button below.

This evening (16 December) a meeting of Thurrock Council's Lower Thames Crossing Task Force will take place at 6pm at the Civic Offices, New Road, Grays.

A representative of the Crossing Action Group will be in attendance.

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Members of the public can attend and sit in the public area. The meeting is held in Committee Room 1.