EAST Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe has welcomed the eight-week consultation launched by Highways England despite retaining his scepticism about the project, the route and the consultation process to date.

After several previous consultations and the failure of the agency to win a Development Consent Order for the crossing project, Highways England are about to embark on another consulation - 'The Community Impacts Consultation'.

Topics include changes to air quality and traffic, as well as the impact of the new crossing on the environment and landscape.

Consultation material will be available on a dedicated website moments from 0.01am on Wednesday, 14 July. You can access it via this link.

Mr Metcalfe said: "My view on the Lower Thames Crossing has not changed. I remain unconvinced that an additional crossing as currently proposed will tackle the problems we experience with congestion when the existing crossing fails. However, if the LTC does proceed we need to ensure that we mitigate its impact as much as possible.

"I appreciate the proposal has caused a great deal of concern to many of my constituents. However, I am encouraged that this further eight-week consultation will provide an opportunity for local residents to have a say on the next phase and I would strongly encourage them to take part."

Mr Metcalfe has welcomed the possibility that local businesses could benefit by becoming involved in the project build it it goes ahead.

Highways England says it will be supporting small and medium size enterprises (SME) who are interested in working on the Lower Thames Crossing and it has launched the the SME Directory will be an way for the successful major contractors to source their supply chain. So far, the Directory has had more than 440 registrants, with 25 based in South Basildon and East Thurrock. The registration form can be found here.

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Mr Metcalfe added: "If Highways England push ahead, there will be a potential positive element for local SMEs. So far 25 businesses based in my constituency have registered on the SME Directory which will be an important way for the successful major contractors to source their supply chain. If businesses have not already done so I recommend filling out the short form on the Lower Thames Crossing website."