MORE traffic could be heading through local roads in the east of the borough as pressure gains momentum for a link road with Canvey Island.

Plans have been submitted to expand a major fuel storage facility on the island, prompting members of Castle Point Council to say the only way they should be improved would be if a third link road to Canvey were built – and that road would be driven through Thurrock, probably connecting with the Manorway through Corringham and Stanford-le-Hope, or linking up with the Five Bells roundabout near Fobbing.

The storage facility is run by Oikos, whose spokesperson says: "We are still at an early stage of the development process for this project, and are studying all potential environmental impacts, including traffic.

"As a result, it is too early to comment on specific issues regarding local roads. We are, however, committed to consulting the wider community and stakeholders, including the local highways authorities, as we prepare our proposals, and will listen to their views."

Those views from councillors in Canvey are that a new road must be part of the scheme and Castle Point Council leader Norman Smith has been reported as saying: "We will be making a case for additional road improvements that will be needed.

"We will be asking for a third road off Canvey to go to Stanford-le-Hope.

"Our road network is already at full capacity and this could make things worse, if there is an emergency and more and more tankers need to access the fuel on Canvey.

"We know we may not be able to stop this plan going ahead but we can ask for the improvements and new road.

"We believe the cost of putting a new road off the island in would be substantial but believe it's very important for these plans to go ahead."