RESIDENTS in Stanford-le-Hope and Corringham are being invited by local councillors to share their views on a possible link road with Canvey Island being driven through the two towns.

As part of the Canvey Island local plan, created by Castle Point District Council, the possibility of a new link road joining up with the Manorway in Corringham and connecting with the A13 at the Manorway junction with the A13 has been raised.

In a recent media article Castle Point's hopes for a new road were expressed.

Senior Castle Point councillors have written to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, urging the government to fund a study assessing the viability of new road through Corringham and Stanford-le-Hope, though it is conceded there are a significant number of problems.

Castle Point has conceded that building its preferred route, linking up with The Manorway, would be challenging.

"Previous studies highlighted that all route options cross environmentally significant areas," the council said, in a report published in May.

"There are also significant engineering design issues, given the need for a raised elevation to mitigate flood risk and to cross a navigable river linking to the Thames."

Castle Point Council leader Dave Blackwell says the matter needs urgent action, adding: "A third access to Canvey Island is critical for our residents and businesses.

"It will unlock economic opportunities, improve resilience and address long-standing transport challenges."

Corringham and Fobbing independent Cllr John Fox says he is concerned that momentum for the new road, which would massively increase traffic levels on the Manorway, could mount before Thurrock has the chance to make a contribution to the thought process and debate.

He says he does not want Thurrock to be 'caught with its trousers down'.

He told Thurrock Nub News: "This has slowly crept up on us and I fully understand why residents on Canvey Island are seeking an improvement in their situation. The limited current access from the island to the A13, the A130 or direct to Benfleet has been impacted by the population growth and other development on the Island.

"But a benefit to Canvey must not come at the cost of inconvenience to residents in Thurrock.

"We have already seen a massive growth of private and HGV traffic to London Gateway port and the logistics park and there is a lot more to come.

"And that's without considering any potential impact if the Thames Enterprise Park on the site of the former Mobile refinery is developed.

Canvey Islanders believe the Manorway (shown in red) could become part of a new relief road

"It's clearly early doors yet, but myself and Stanford East and Corringham Town councillor Roy Jones will be happy to collate and record local people's views and make sure Thurrock Council is fully aware of local opinion from the outside.

"Please send your thoughts to Roy at [email protected] or myself at [email protected] and we will ensure they are collated and local Thurrock views are passed on."

Cllrs John Fox (left) and Roy Jones.

Cllr Fox and his independent colleagues in Corringham and Stanford have asked Thurrock Council to produce an evaluation on the possibility of a link road coming through east Thurrock.