THE MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock Stephen Metcalfe today secured a meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss options for a lower Thames crossing.

Mr Metcalfe called on the Government to reject Option A and Option C during Prime Minister’s Questions, adding the options would limit the ambition of South Essex and the country, while not maximising the potential of the Thames Gateway.

Option A would see another crossing built next to the current Dartford crossing, whereas Option C would land between Coalhouse and Tilbury forts and travel north towards the Orsett Cock junction of the A13, before meeting the M25 between junctions 29 and 30.

David Cameron said he is interested in seeing maximum economic growth, adding he understood the importance of considering all of the issues at stake with the current proposals for the crossing.

Mr Metcalfe said: “I am pleased that the Prime Minister has agreed to meet with me to discuss this extremely important local issue.

“An additional crossing in Thurrock would be detrimental to the local area, and I strongly believe that it would not be the best way to serve the country.

“Other options must be considered and I will continue to fight for this on behalf of my constituents in South Basildon and East Thurrock.”