TWO of Thurrock's leading Conservative councillors have expressed their concerns about the planned Lower Thames Crossing and the adverse impact they believe it will have on the borough.

They are encouraging residents to share their views on the eight billion pound project planned by government quango National Highways to build new roads and tunnels under the Thames, linking Thurrock to Kent. Under current proposals, the crossing will incorporate two new 4km long tunnels running under the Thames, as part of 23km of new road infrastructure connecting the M25 to the A13 in Thurrock, through to the A2 on the other side of the Thames.

The council, which has officially expressed its concerns about the project and remains opposed to it under its current format, says the link will 'swallow up' around 11 percent of 'much-loved' local green belt land.

In an official statement the council says: "Despite a long period of engagement with National Highways on the proposal and the impact it is set to have across the borough, Thurrock Council still has significant concerns that a number of mitigating actions it has brought forward have not been taken into consideration, leaving uncertainty over the social, environmental, and economic impact on local residents and businesses, during the construction and long after it has been completed.

"The Council is strongly encouraging residents to ask questions and share their thoughts on the proposal through the National Highways 'Local Refinement' consultation, which opens today. The consultation will run from now to Monday, 20 June.

Council leader Cllr Rob Gledhill said: "Decisions that are made today will affect the people of Thurrock for generations to come. The level of incoming investment in our borough is testament to our burgeoning position as a destination of choice for people, businesses, and talent – but as a Council we have a duty to ensure we remain diligent and focused firmly on determining what impact major infrastructure programmes like this could have on the lives of our residents.

"National Highways have yet to offer enough evidence or assurances to convince us the Lower Thames Crossing, under its current proposals, will offer true benefits to the people of Thurrock. To the contrary, we have real concerns it will have a detrimental effect on our air quality and noise levels, will actually increase congestion and issues accessing our local roads, and will led to the decimation of some of our beloved green places and spaces."

Cllr Mark Coxshall, cabinet member for regeneration, strategic planning and external relationships, added: "We recently surveyed people across the borough, and you have echoed our concerns. It is not too late to have your voice heard. We are in dialogue with National Highways and this latest consultation is your opportunity to join with us and raise any questions or concerns you have, so we can push for answers and help shape the project now before formal planning is submitted"

The council has dedicated information on its website, helping to tell the story so far and providing more information on its specific concerns.

The National Highways consultation can be accessed via this link.

Last week, Laura Blake, the leader and chief spokesperson for the borough-based Thames Crossing Action Group, slammed the latest proposals by National Highways and its actions in trying to ram through a scheme that will damage the borough as despicable.