TWO south Essex Conservative MPs have clashed over where the new Thames Crossing should go, as the landmark decision draws ever closer.

During a parliamentary debate, MP Stephen Metcalfe suggested experts should look to build “further east” towards Southend or Canvey instead of in Thurrock.

However, Castle Point’s Tory MP Rebecca Harris has since responded by saying there was “no sense” in linking the crossing to Canvey.

The location of a new road was discussed during a debate on major congestion problems at the existing Dartford Crossing between Essex and Kent.

The Government’s two preferred options for a new crossing would both come through Thurrock, either next to the existing Dartford bridge or through Tilbury to link with the junction of the M25 and A127.

But Stephen Metcalfe, Tory MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, still insists the Government should look “further east” for a possible location.

And he believes a second crossing in the Thurrock area will cause serious air pollution problems in the area too.

Mr Metcalfe said: “We should broaden the debate and potentially look further east, and west into London, to resolve the issues.

“The danger with championing a crossing east of the current crossing is that we will still experience air pollution at the existing crossing and create a new area of air pollution to the east potentially coming into my constituency.”

The two preferred locations are Option A, another crossing in Dartford, and Option C, a link between Gravesend and Tilbury.

During an earlier consultation, proposals for a link between Canvey and the M2 in Kent, or a road between Southend and the Isle of Grain, were both thrown out.

Afterwards Mrs Harris told the Echo she does not believe the proposal will be revived. She said: “I don’t think there is any prospect of it coming to Canvey. As much as other areas might want it to, it doesn’t make sense.

“I think some people assume Canvey is a little uninhabited island, but in reality the logistics of it are crazy.

“There is no sense putting it on Canvey and the Government is of the same view.

“I don’t think we need to be concerned.”

Earlier during the debate Gareth Morgan, Tory MP for Dartford, said: “The congestion at the Dartford Crossing will be properly dealt with only when we have another crossing in the lower Thames area.

“In my opinion, that crossing should be located east of Gravesend if it is to provide a proper alternative for the motorist.

“I shudder to think of the problems that will be caused if another crossing was to be built at Dartford.”

Final decision on crossing expected within months

A GOVERNMENT decision on the location of the new crossing is expected early this year, with the road potentially being ready by 2025.

Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle-Price has said she expects an announcement soon, while Chancellor George Osborne declared in November a new crossing “needs to happen."

Five options for the crossing were originally mooted in 2008, which were then whittled down to two by the Government.

Estimates suggest Option A would cost about £2billion to complete.

But Option C, a link between Tilbury and Gravesend, is likely to cost about twice as much, due to the need for major infrastructure improvements.

Speaking to the Echo last month *dec*, transport minister Robert Goodwill refused to rule out the possibility of the crossing being a tunnel.

It had been revealed one possibility for Option C would see a bridge as tall as the Shard, the tallest building in Europe, being built.

Mr Goodwill said: “We need to look at the tunnel option as well.

“The problem with a bridge is that it always closes in high winds.

“A tunnel would be much easier to plan and much more reliable than a bridge.”

Meetings will allow public to voice their views

TWO public meetings will be held within the next month to discuss the crossing proposals.

The first meeting, organised by Thurrock Council, will take place at Orsett Hall, in Prince Charles Avenue, Orsett, on Monday evening.

A second event will be held at the Culver Centre, in Daiglen Drive, South Ockendon, on Thursday, February 25.

Ahead of the meeting, debate about the crossing intensified when MP Jackie Doyle-Price revealed she ran a survey which showed 90 per cent of respondents supported the need for a new crossing.

Ms Doyle-Price had campaigned for the last two elections on the basis of strong opposition to the scheme.

The release of the data suggested she had admitted defeat in her battle with the Government, instead focusing her energy on the specific location of the crossing.

Ms Doyle-Price wants three tests to be satisfied before a new crossing is introduced.

It must alleviate congestion at the current crossing, it must not add further traffic pressures to Thurrock’s roads, and it must not add congestion to the A13 and M25.