Second Access Route Needed Now!

Stephen Metcalfe, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for South Basildon & East Thurrock has called for a second access route to the proposed Super port site at Shell Haven to be re-examined following last weeks explosion at the Coryton oil refinery.

Stephen explained: “With only one route in and out of the site and with Police road blocks in place and tankers being parked along the Manorway, if the explosion had happened when the Super port was open and running, with its expected 50,000 daily lorry movements, we would have seen gridlock on the A13 and beyond with thousands of lorries parked with nowhere to go.”

“The need for a second access route was first mooted by the Shell Haven Project Environmental Action Committee (SPEAC) but firmly rejected by the Government planning enquiry. There have been several accidents along the Manorway in the past year, last December one tanker accident alone caused a 10 hour traffic jam and chaos to surrounding roads.”

Stephen Metcalfe added: "Since being selected as the candidate my campaign team and I have been busy meeting people on the doorstep and have heard first hand their concerns. I have also met with SPEAC and heard their frustration about lack of proper access to the site and the effect it will have on the surrounding areas.”

“I was already in the process of looking at this issue. I have again spoken to Lord Haningfield, Leader of Essex County Council since last Wednesday’s explosion and have asked him to organise a meeting in the near future to look again at what options are available.”

“This combined with the proposals for a third route off Canvey is bound to increase traffic to and from the A13 via the Manorway. I will be asking Essex County Council and Government Transport chiefs to look again and to act on behalf of local residents who want a second access road, to take traffic around the communities of Stanford-le-Hope and Corringham, not through their heart.”

Posted 5/11/07

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