THE leader of Thurrock Council has hit out after it was revealed a decision on the location of a new Lower Thames Crossing won't be made until late 2015...at the earliest.

John Kent was reacting to comments made new roads minister John Hayes who said a proposed soultion crossing route will be consulted on "late 2015 or early 2016".

The Government are currently "carrying out detailed analysis" on Option A - which would see a new crossing built next to the current one - and Option C which would land a new crossing somewhere between Tilbury Fort and Coalhouse Fort in East Tilbury.

Mr Kent said: "The government isn’t listening to Thurrock, although it’s pleasing to seen that our two MPs are backing Thurrock Council’s campaign for no extra crossings in the borough – none of the above - and disappointing they were unable to persuade the new man.

"It also seems the government has kicked any decision about a crossing into the long grass after the General Election as the MPs’ press release says no decision will be forthcoming until late 2015 or early 2016.

"I’m losing count of the delays."

Mr Kent was also angry at not having had a response from the minister after he had written to him in September, after a public meeting in South Ockendon.

He said: "I asked that the minister over-rule his civil servants and tell them that Option D – to the east of Thurrock should be reconsidered, especially in the light of plans to build more river crossings between Dartford and Tower Bridge in east London and increasing development in Thurrock and south east Essex.

"He hasn’t replied – at least by post.

"But reading the latest comments of Thurrock’s two MPs- both of whom told new roads minister John Hayes that Option D should be in the mix – I don’t think I can expect an answer; or if I do get one, it’ll be a big fat no!"