A THURROCK councillor has spoken up about road conditions on a busy borough highway - and warned that it will get much worse if plans are approved for a new quarry.

East Tilbury Independent Cllr Fraser Massey became a victim of one of a number of significant potholes on Buckingham Hill Road when his vehicle suffered damage costing nearly £200 to repair when he struck a pothole. He was en route to a Thurrock Council Group meeting at the

time.

"The state of this busy road, which is the main way villagers from East Tilbury and Linford, get in and out of the area, is a disgrace.

"It's not great all along it but the stretch from the entry to Orsett Quarry and Stanford Road is appalling and dangerous with a number of big potholes.

"Although already reported I felt compelled to call the emergency out of hours team as five cars were changing tyres on the road last night at the same time.

"The road is extremely busy with large lorries shifting earth and spoil to the quarry. Apart from the damage to the road they are a danger to traffic queuing to get into the quarry. A number of my residents have complained and I have will be taking this up with the site operators Ingrebourne Valley and the Council.

"And if they get the go ahead for massive expansion of the quarry the problems are going to get a lot worse.

"This scheme must not be approved and we must see more responsibility for the highways from Ingrebourne Valley and this stretch of road must be improved and made safe as quickly as possible."