RESIDENTS campaigning against a new Thames Crossing in Thurrock “have lost all confidence” in MP Jackie Doyle-Price.

The MP has caused anger amongst those against a new crossing by stating in a letter to a resident: “The battle has been lost”.

The letter addressed to a member of the Thames Crossing Proposals Facebook group was shared over the weekend, angering a large number of the nearly 9,000 strong group.

In response, campaigners from the group released a joint statement which said: “We have lost all confidence in Ms Jackie Doyle-Price but are determined to fight this proposal all the way, if necessary for many years and if necessary without our MP.”

In the letter, the MP explains why Option D – a crossing near Canvey – was ruled out of the current consultation. She goes on to say: “Put simply the crossing is coming and I am not going to raise expectations. Anyone who does is being irresponsible.”

Ms Doyle-Price then goes onto state that despite the huge numbers on the campaign Facebook group, it’s only a “fraction” that are commenting and making an argument.

In the letter, she says: “It is no match for the thousands of pages on analysis and consultations that have taken place over the last seven years. With one in five or our jobs being in logistics and the ports sector, they are dependent on a functioning road network.”

“With that in mind it is better to identify the option that suits them best, recognising that none of the above is not an option.”

Reacting to the letter, the group said: “We are stunned to receive such a damning appraisal of this situation from our MP, who during the last General Election committed to stopping all crossings through Thurrock. We also firmly disagree with this appraisal and will continue to fight Highways England preferred route of Option C and any alternates through Thurrock.

“Does Jackie Doyle-Price know something we don't? Is the public consultation an expensive sham aimed at making the public feel they have a say in the matter? Surely, the government and Highways England wouldn't be foolish enough to contradict their own rules and regulations with regards to planning for a project of 'National Significance'.”

They added: “Ms Doyle-Price's website has both ‘fighting for Thurrock’ and ‘securing a better future for Thurrock’ in the header of the page. She is fundamentally failing to do either.”