WHILE hundreds of acres of countryside across Thurrock are being dug up and concreted over ahead of the as-yet unfunded Lower Thames Crossing, residents in South Ockendon can at least benefit from a ''therapeutic' flower and vegetable gardening box.

The facility has been installed on the Flowers Estate in the town by Trust Links, a charity that helps reduce isolation and improve wellbeing through nature-based activities and 'therapeutic gardening. The Trust received £10,000 from National Highways' Lower Thames Crossing Community Fund. The gift is part of an almost £2 million commitment to local communities during the construction of the new road.

The road scheme, now managed directly by government, is still around £7 billion short of its funding target.

Katharina Ferguson, Sustainability and Supply Chain Director for the Lower Thames Crossing said: "We are committed to being a good neighbour and it's a privilege to be able to support a diverse range of projects, run by dedicated volunteers, who all share the goal of improving local wellbeing.", supporting initiatives that make a meaningful difference to local people and places."

The funding enabled Trust Links to create the garden in South Ockendon, which it says will give residents the opportunity to learn practical gardening skills, grow fresh produce and take part in cooking sessions using ingredients harvested from the site.

The Trust adds: "Designed to bring people together, the project will help tackle social isolation, improve physical and mental wellbeing, and strengthen connections within the local community.

Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood, said: "The Government's significant investment in the Lower Thames Crossing will help local communities by relieving congestion at Dartford and creating new opportunities, but also by backing local good causes that will make a real difference to people's lives."

Hundres of acres of local green belt have already been swallowed up by Lower Thames Crossing works.

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Matt King, CEO of Trust Links, said: "We are delighted to receive this funding, enabling us to deliver a programme of nature-based community workshops at the Flowers Estate in South Ockendon. We are finding that the needs around skills development, community connection and mental health have never been greater. Investment such as this is essential to enable the voluntary and community sector to work with residents to improve mental health and wellbeing locally."

To date 31 Brentwood, Havering and Thurrock charities and community groups have been awarded cash grants of up to £10,000 from the Lower Thames Crossing's Community Fund. E

Other groups to benefit include Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust, enabling CPR training across Thurrock and Brentwood. The Aveley Men's Shed will also receive funding to purchase tools and equipment, allowing it to expand its programme of teaching woodworking to the local community, helping to combat isolation and loneliness.

The next round of the Lower Thames Crossing Community Fund is due to launch in early 2027.

Recently the government announced it was pumping more money into the Lower Thames Crossing project, even though it had previously said public funding had ended.