IN considering the announcement of the New Thames Crossing destined for Thurrock, I would like to point out that this decision was effectively made back in the year 2000!

At that time a Government-commissioned study, the Orbit Study, looked at congestion on the M25 and the potential for an outer orbital road to relieve that congestion.

The study concluded in November 2002, supporting the recommendation for an outer orbital using an upgraded A120 and A130 (which we now have) to divert traffic away from the M25 to a new crossing, not off the A130 at Canvey but at, yes, East Tilbury.

That will now be supported by the planned improvements to the A13.

The proposed orbit route will now effectively come into operation by default and, as suggested in your letters by Mrs L Brown ( Gazette , April 20), traffic from East Anglia and northern areas will use that route to access the new crossing as an alternative to the M25, placing ever increasing loads onto roads through the heart of east Thurrock, as well as Thurrock bearing the brunt of the new link to the M25.

The recent consultation was, therefore, a farce with the outcome already decided. Thurrock is once again the dumping ground for eve - rybody’s problems, regardless of consequences such as health and safety impacts on our lives.

D PARKER

Stanford-le-Hope