Shadow Transport Secretary Accepts Petition
Theresa Villiers, Shadow Transport Secretary, visits Orsett and accepts
petition opposing “Option C”.

Stephen Metcalfe, Prospective Conservative MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock and Mike Revell, Thurrock Council Candidate for Orsett were delighted that Theresa Villiers, Shadow Transport Minister visited Thurrock on Friday morning to discuss local Transport issues, and also accepted a petition opposing Option C for the Lower Thames Crossing.

The Department of Transport issued its proposals for a new Thames crossing in April 2009. Of the 5 options originally considered, 3 have been put forward for further consideration. All 3 cross the Thames into Thurrock. A survey taken by Angela Smith MP, given to the Minister of Transport, Lord Adonis, reported that 45% of the respondents, favoured Option C. This is the crossing passing through Orsett. However a later, wider petition organised by Councillor Mike Revell throughout Orsett clearly demonstrated that an overwhelming number of residents were against Option C.

This was an opportunity for Mike and Stephen to present the petition to Theresa and to ensure that she was aware of the depth of feeling this proposal has generated.

Stephen said: “When I looked at “Option C” I saw immediately the impact it would have had on the most rural part of the constituency and the devastation it would have reeked as it cut across East Tilbury, Orsett and Bulphan as it head north to join the M25, and that is why I am opposing this.”

Mike said: “I am delighted that the Conservative Shadow Minister for Transport, Teresa Villiers MP, has taken seriously the concerns and fears of Orsett Ward residents of a motorway straight through the village and surrounding green belt countryside “

Stephen added: “Generally transport and infrastructure provision is a huge issue in our area and so we also took the opportunity to discuss issues such as the future of the existing crossing at Dartford and our campaign to scrap the tolls, the future of C2C and how our road network will cope with increased volume of traffic generated by the developments taking place.”

“If elected I will be pursing these issue with the next Transport Secretary to ensure they are fully aware of local residents concerns.”

Posted 18/4/10

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