MEMBERS of Thurrock Council's Conservative group have criticised the government for its decision to delay a decision on the Lower Thames Crossing.

Earlier this week transport minister Louise Haigh announced that a decision on whether the government would go ahead with the controversial, multi-billion pound scheme would now be delayed until 2025.

That brought mixed reaction, with some campaigners welcomeding the delay which they beleive could be a prelude to rejection, while others believed it was a mistake.

Now, on behalf of colleagues in the Thurrock Council Conseravtive group, two councillors representing Orsett, Horndon on the Hill and Bulphan, have thrown their critical hats into the ring.

Cllr Barry Johnson, said: "My residents are among the most affected by the Lower Thames Crossing and I stand alongside them in opposition to this. 

"This delay has caused further uncertainty to residents and I am dismayed that the Secretary of State has delayed this decision. 

"The Secretary of State has had over three months to read through this, and civil servants have had many more months to read the planning application and prepare advice to the Secretary of State. 

"This leaves my residents, and all residents in Thurrock, and in Kent, in a state of limbo, and I do not believe this is acceptable. With speculated further cuts to national spending planned in the upcoming budget, it would have been the perfect time to end the speculation and reject the planning application.

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"Thurrock Conservatives have always stood against the Option C route. The further delay is bad for the future of Thurrock. It leaves us unable to plan ahead and gives all of us uncertainty."

His ward colleague David Day added: "I stand against the Lower Thames Crossing. Option C is not a solution to the problems with the Dartford Crossing and I am angry and upset with Labour's decision to delay this decision. We need a solution to the gridlock caused by the Dartford Crossing, but this is not the solution – and I hope that the government will look at ways which will see an ease to the congestion in Thurrock. 

"This delay leaves my residents with no certainty going forward and we need a decision to be made.

"I am against the planned Norfolk-Tilbury pylons and the Lower Thames Crossing, and I wonder how many eyesores the government want to put up in Thurrock!"

A statement from the Conservative group added: "Thurrock Conservatives are dismayed that our Labour government has delayed the decision on the planning application on the Lower Thames Crossing until May.

"This decision, which did not need to be taken, leaves Thurrock residents with uncertainty, and comes months after the Chancellor announced that spending for major infrastructure projects will be reviewed. 

"This has caused further worry and anxiety for Thurrock residents who need to know if the project will be approved."