Canvey homes plan sparks calls for third road off island

As it stands, there are only two access roads to and from Canvey, which join at Waterside Farm roundabout.

Residents and councillors have campaigned for years for the Government to fund a new major road to alleviate traffic issues.

Dave Blackwell, of the Canvey Independent Party, said: “We have campaigned for 15 years, which seems an eternity now, for a third road.

“It’s something that only the Government can approve. I have been to them with officers of the council to make our case. At the end of the day, we need that third road, Canvey needs another exit of the island.”

The issue has once again resurfaced after developer Persimmon Homes opened a public consultation on plans to build 300 homes on the old Dutch village site.

Mr Blackwell added: “I have told the Government, ‘You need to come to Canvey and sit in the traffic in rush hour to see what we have to put up with day and night’. I don’t think there is anywhere in the UK that needs another major road more than Canvey.

“The island is a dead end; it causes constant bottlenecks and residents are fed up with it.”

Former councillor Ray Howard agreed with Mr Blackwell’s assessment, citing heightened traffic due to tankers driving to and from the Oikos and Calor Gas oil and gas terminals on the island.

He said: “We badly need a new access road because currently everything has to merge onto Waterside Farm roundabout.

“We have 40,000 people living on this island, and the current roads just aren’t enough for them. With all these new homes being built, and expansion at the industrial estate, in my view, we urgently need this new road.”

Mr Howard, who has dedicated his life to public service on Canvey, believes the best solution would be a road connection from Northwick Road to The Manorway.

He added: “It would be beneficial for Thurrock and Canvey residents and would take a huge amount of traffic off the island.”