NATIONAL Highways are planning a series of public meetings across Thurrock to talk about the work they will be undertaking in advance of construction of the proposed Lower Thames Crossing.

The project involvesd a major new road being created through the heart of Thurrock linking Kent and Essex via a new tunell to be built near Tilbury.

The project has yet to be given a formal go-ahead by the government, as its estimated 10 billion pound cost is too high for the public purse.

The government is seeking to find a finance partner for the project.

However, National Highways is pressing ahead, assuming the green light will come eventually.

Mark Gitsham, who is the local authority engagement lead for National Highways, says: "While the main construction works won't get started until funding is agreed, we'll be talking about how we're preparing and what surveys and works we'll be doing locally.

"Our team will be available to talk about:

•          Our partners and who will build the crossing in your area

•          The surveys and enabling work planned for the next 12 months

•          How our low-carbon approach will shape what the road will look like

•          New public parks and green spaces in your area

•          Job opportunities and how local businesses can get involved."

Local meetings will include

Wednesday, 11 June 3pm - 8pm    

Upminster Methodist Church, 2 Hall Lane, Upminster, RM14 1AE

Thursday, 12 June 3pm - 8pm    

Orsett Hall Hotel, Prince Charles Avenue, Orsett, RM16 3HS

Tuesday, 17 June  3pm - 8pm    

Brandon Groves Community Club, Brandon Groves Avenue, South Ockendon, RM15 6SB

Friday, 27 June 3pm - 8pm

Chadwell St Mary Village Hall, Waterson Road, Grays, RM16 4NX

Saturday, 28 June 10am - 8.30pm    

Lakeside Shopping Centre (Centre Atrium, Lower Mall), Thurrock Way, West Thurrock, RM20 2ZP

Wednesday, 2 July 3pm - 8pm

East Thurrock Community Association, 77 Corringham Road, Stanford-le-Hope, SS17 0NU

Friday, 4 July 10am - 5pm

Grays Town Centre, RM17 6NB (opposite Nationwide)

Tuesday, 8 July 3pm - 8pm

Linford Methodist Hall, East Tilbury Road, Linford, SS17 0QS

You can also click on National Highways' Community Hub, to find out what's happening in your local community.