DAVID Cameron hailed Thurrock and the “exciting times” in-store during a visit to Grays today.

The Prime Minister visited the Evolve housing development in London Road for a tour with builders and Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle-Price.

His visit coincided with yesterday’s announcement that the Conservative’s will build 200,000 new started homes by 2020 if re-elected in May’s general election.

Speaking to the Gazette, Mr Cameron talked about the “massive vote of confidence” in the borough with investments and jobs being created at places such as DP World and the High House Production Park in Purfleet, which he’s visited in recent months.

Mr Cameron said: “There’s houses being built, jobs being created, libraries being secured – that’s what the government’s long term economic plan is all about. You can see it here and we should stick at it.”

He added: “DP World London Gateway is the biggest port in Europe and that is a massive vote of confidence in the area, in the skills of local people, in the future and I think it’s a very exciting time.”

Mr Cameron was also asked about the possibility of re-introducing the idea of a new Thames crossing on Canvey. Option D would link the M2 in Kent with the A130 on the island.

The option was taken off the table last year but Ms Doyle-Price is keen to see it as an option once again. Options A and C are currently being considered, which could see another crossing built next to the current Dartford Crossing or a new one land in Tilbury.

Though not conclusive in his response, the Prime Minister didn’t dismiss the idea. He said: “We’re consulting and it’s important we get this right. So we’re listening very carefully to local views and we’ll make a decision once we’ve done that.”

Commenting on Mr Cameron’s praise, Ms Doyle-Price said Thurrock was the “power house” of Essex and was keen to praise the government for investment made in the borough’s transport facilities.

She said: “I think we should congratulate this government for getting the Dartford Crossing moving by removing the toll barriers and making an investment in J30 (M25) which has been a long time coming.”