A CALL has been made for Highways England to create a fund that will help residents in Thurrock whose health and well-being will be affect by construction of the planned new Lower Thames Crossing.

Speaking at the latest meeting of Thurrock Council's Thames Crossing Task Force, Chadwell St Mary councillor Sara Muldowney raised concerns about the impact on residents' health.

Quizzing Executive Director for the Lower Thames Crossing Matt Palmer she said: "For me the focus has always been about health and we have always asked about the health impact assessment to be released – which we have now.

"Without substantial mitigation, such as moving the route, this is going to have a major impact on our resident's health and wellbeing in an area where we have already got distinct health inequalities.

"What we are looking at is – residents' lives being shortened by a six-lane motorway.

"If you cannot mitigate the health impact, I'm wondering what you can offer us – I am willing to listen with an open mind."

Cllr Muldowney asked if there is a possibility that Highways England could establish a fund for those who are most impacted.

She added: "A fund to be moved away permanently or temporarily from the construction phase, so they don't feel the impact on their health that this motorway is undoubtedly going to bring."

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Mr Palmer said hot spots had been identified and that the agency would try to limit the impact.