Renewed call for new access to London Gateway superport

12:59am Friday 16th May 2008

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A RENEWED call has gone out for the government to think again about access to Thurrock's new superport.

Stephen Metcalfe, the Conservative candidate for South Basildon & East Thurrock at the next general election, has echoed pleas for a second access road to the £1.5 billion development at Coryton.

He has expressed deep concern over local transport infrastructure after the Department of Transport issued a Harbour Empowerment Order, giving the final seal of approval for work to start on the new London Gateway development.

Construction work at the 1,850 acre site could start later this year with the port's first berth expected to open by 2011.

As part of the deal to win Government approval, Dubai based DP World, the company behind the London Gateway port, has pledged £100 million to be spent on improving local road networks.

Improvements include:

• Installing noise barriers
  
• Resurfacing The Manorway from Corringham to Stanford-le-Hope with low-noise tarmac
  
• Moving the Sorrells roundabout away from nearby homes
  
• Widening the A13 and improving the junction with the M25
  

Mr Metcalfe said: "I welcome the measures that have been put in place, but I am still disappointed that no new roads are planned to the London Gateway port and business park. The Government needs to ensure adequate road and rail infrastructure is in place to cope with the massive increase in traffic when the port is fully open and running."

"The need for a second access route was first called for by the Shell Haven Project Action Committee but firmly rejected by the Government planning enquiry.

"I have met with local and county councillors and have been meeting and listening to people on the doorstep. I have also met with SPEAC and heard their frustration about the lack of proper access to the site and the effect it will have on surrounding areas.

"I would like to see a second access route put firmly back onto the political agenda.

"We already have the tanker traffic to and from the refinery at Coryton and when the port is completed the site generate thousands of lorry movements a day along the Manorway, let alone the additional traffic from the port employees.

"I am concerned that the pollution, noise and fumes will be intolerable for local residents and want to see more done to help them."