CAMPAIGNERS and residents in East Tilbury have welcomed news that National Highways has acknowledged the need for more local consultation and agreed to a new event to take part in the village regarding the planned Lower Thames Crossing.

A consultation process was launched last week which will run until 20 June but was largely planned to be online.

However, pressure brought to bear by local campaigners, Thurrock Council's Crossing Task Foce and the Thames Crossing Action Group has prompted National Highways to hold an information event later this month.

It will take on Thursday, 26 May from 2 to 8pm at East Tilbury Village Hall, Princess Margaret Road, East Tilbury, RM18 8RB .

The move has been welcomed by East Tilbury councillor Fraser Masssey, who is also chair of the task force, though he still hopes that a second meeting – to be held in Chadwell St Mary -= may happen.

He said: "I am pleased that a Lower Thames Crossing in person consultation event in East Tilbury has been secured. There is still no Chadwell event but at least it is a start in the right direction."

Yesterday (Sunday, 15 Mat) Nub News reported on comments by leading Conservative councillors oposing many aspects of the proposed crossing.

Last week, Laura Blake, the leader and chief spokesperson for the borough-based Thames Crossing Action Group, slammed the latest proposals by National Highways and its actions in trying to ram through a scheme that will damage the borough as despicable.

You can check the NH website https://ltcconsultation2022.nationalhighways.co.uk/ or call them on 0300 123 5000 for up-to-date information.