SCIENTISTS and conservationists have pledged to keep close watch on the dredging process to create Thurrock's new superport.

Dredging a deep channel from Coryton to the North Sea in the Thames Estuary could release toxic chemicals into the water, it has been claimed.

The work is being done to enable huge container ships to travel up the Thames to the new DP World container port, at the former Shell Haven oil refinery site near Corringham.

Southend Sealife Adventure centre is taking part in a research and monitoring project to assess the likely environmental impact of the dredging.

Expert, Dr Sophie des Clers, from University College London, believes there is a risk the dredging could disturb toxic metals and other chemicals, which have, until now, been locked into the riverbed.

This could potentially cause huge environmental problems, Dr des Clers said.