A TORY councillor has dismissed Boris Johnson’s plan for a new Thames Estuary airport, arguing south Essex’s roads would be unable to cope.

Rochford district councillor James Cottis, who represents Rochford ward, rejected fellow Conservative Mr Johnson’s idea as “mad”.

Rather than expanding Heathrow, the London mayor has suggested a new airport terminal on Foulness with offshore runways.

Mr Cottis said: “The plans for building an airport, with rail and other infrastructure coming through this part of the county are mad.

“If this happened, the whole of south Essex would grind to a halt. It is essential there is proper public consultation on new roads before anything is decided or looked at.”

Earlier this year, Mr Cottis failed to persuade a Government minister to visit the area to see local infrastructure problems for himself.

He added: “There are senior elected people out there who are frightened to have a proper debate on the infrastructure around this part of the county.”