A COMMITTEE of councillors, ministers and other officials will meet to discuss plans for a new Thames Crossing in Thurrock. 

Thurrock Council is inviting the representatives to the borough to discuss proposals for another Lower Thames Crossing on Monday, July 1. 

The meeting will be open to the public and will have two sessions - one in the afternoon and one in the evening. 

The afternoon session, starting at 2pm, will include discussions with experts and interest groups from inside and outside the borough. Among those invited are the Highways Agency, Department for Transport, MPs and senior councilors from areas affected by the proposals - Thurrock, Dartford, Gravesham and Medway.

At 7pm there will be a public meeting for residents, community groups and other Thurrock councillors.

The government is running a consultation on three proposed options for a new crossing which is available here: www.thurrock.gov.uk

Councillor Gerard Rice said: “It is important that the council and local people have as much information as possible before they respond to the consultation.

“We must be able to say no to the three options and either suggest an alternative route or explain why a crossing isn't needed.

“Simply saying no is not the way to go, we need a reasoned approach.”

Council leader, John Kent, added: “It seems like a great idea. We should ask civil servants and politicians to come here and explain the reasons they are support or objecting these options.”

Residents are invited to have their say and anybody interested in taking part in the evening session is asked to email tfurber@thurrock.gov.uk so arrangements can be made.