RESIDENTS in Stanford-le-Hope will get a special event of their own to offer opinions on and hear plans for the new Lower Thames Crossing.

When a new consultation for the crossing route was announced recently, Highways England followed up by announcing a series of open events for residents affected by the route to have a say and learn more.

However, Stanford-le-Hope was notable by its absence, prompting criticism of the government agency and pressure brought to bear by local politicians and campaigners.

Today (Thursday, 6 January) it was announced an event will be held in Stanford.

Among those calling for the meeting was Homesteads ward councillor Gary Byrne who was able to break the news that Highways England's mobile Information centre will be at the Homesteads Village Hall car park from 11am to 7pm on Tuesday, 10 March.

Cllr Byrne said: "Hopefully this will allow workers, commuters and residents to attend.

"Residents really do need to know the impact the crossing will have on Stanford, Fobbing and Corringham. I would like to thank Thames Cross Action Group's Laura Blake and her team and MP Stephen Metcalfe for their continued help in getting the message across."

Mr Metcalfe added: "I am pleased that by working together with the Lower Thames Crossing Team we have been able to provide an additional opportunity for people to see the revisions to the project following last year's full consultation.

"It is vital that as many people as possible know what is happening and have an opportunity to comment. I welcome some of the changes announced following the previous consultation and hope that if the crossing does go ahead that we can mitigate its impact as best as possible."