A WOULD-be MP is calling for a second access route to the proposed £1.5billion superport site at Shell Haven in the wake of the oil refinery blaze at nearby Coryton.

Stephen Metcalfe, Tory candidate for the new South Basildon and East Thurrock seat, spoke out following the blast at the site which rocked south Essex.

The new world-class container port and business park, called London Gateway, will be built on the site of the former Shell oil refinery at Coryton, creating 14,000 jobs in south Essex.

Mr Metcalfe said: "There is only one route in and out of the site and there were police road blocks in place and tankers parked along the Manorway.

"If the explosion had happened when the superport was open we would have seen gridlock on the A13 and beyond with thousands of lorries parked with nowhere to go."

The need for a second access route was first raised by the Shell Haven Project Environmental Action Committee, but rejected by the Government planning inquiry.

Basildon Labour MP Angela Smith has previously called for a second access route from the superport.

Mr Metcalfe added: "Since being selected as the candidate my campaign team and I have been busy meeting people on the doorstep and have heard first hand their concerns.

"I have also met with the action group and heard their frustration about lack of proper access to the site and the effect it will have on the surrounding areas." Mr Metcalfe has asked Essex County Council leader Lord Haningfield to organise talks to look again at what options are available.

He said: "I will be asking Essex County Council and Government transport chiefs to look again and to act on behalf of local residents who want a second access road, to take traffic around the communities of Stanford-le-Hope and Corringham, not through their heart."