A BOROUGH councillor has called for more action to restore the Tilbury-to-Gravesend ferry.

Speaking to Ben Fryer of BBC Essex Radio this morning, Cllr Roy Jones, who is part of the Non-Political alliance of Independent Councillor - NPAIC) detailed his work towards, and support for, the reinstatement of the ferry crossing, which was decommissioned last March.

Cllr Jones spoke in today's interview of his disappointment in the decision to stop crossings, adding that since crossings stopped, residents have lost jobs as their only alternative was the "horrendous journey" through the Dartford Crossing, which, additionally, is set to raise toll prices (by 40% for car drivers) from September.

It is also important for the many residents "whose children go to school in Kent." 

Mr Fryer called the service a "life-changer," adding that over 100,000 journeys were made in its final year of operation, crucially relieving the already overburdened Dartford Crossing of vehicular traffic.

Cllr Roy Jones.

Cllr Jones further praised the work of Gravesham Green campaigner Rebecca Drake-Hopkins in formulating a petition which has so far seen "very good response," and commended officers and Labour MP Jen Craft for their diligence on the matter, although he notes that latest information has not been shared with him by the council.

"We have had a crossing here since the Roman Era – it's a vital infrastructure link which saves time, energy and cost for local people" concluded Cllr Jones.

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