A £20MILLION Government cash boost is a “golden opportunity” for a long-awaited new road to Canvey to tackle congestion and traffic, the council leader has said. 

Canvey will benefit from the cash injection as part of the Government’s long-term plan for the town fund initiative, under the spring budget.

Castle Point Council’s cabinet is set to agree on the appointment of a town’s board, to oversee ideas and Dave Blackwell, Canvey Independent leader of Castle Point Council, believes it is the perfect chance to deliver the third road.

Mr Blackwell, who will sit on the board, said: “I think this is a golden opportunity, for a third road off Canvey, if the town board decide it is a priority.

“I will certainly be making a case for a third road off Canvey and that it should be a priority and this could kick start it.

“I don’t think there is a single person on Canvey who would be against the idea. A third road off Canvey would make such a huge difference, I don’t think a day goes past without constant traffic gridlock.”

Mr Blackwell also hopes a third road off the island would encourage businesses to set up shop in the south Essex town.

Campaigners have been fighting for a third road off the island for many years, with a number of petitions being launched by fed-up residents.

In May 2019 a petition received more than 700 signatures and supporters.

At the moment, there are current routes off the island, with Canvey Way, running to Sadlers Farm and Canvey Road, running to Benfleet.

Mr Blackwell added: “The Government funding would open up a lot of opportunities in terms of tourism and business.

“The funding is absolutely massive for Canvey and we were absolutely gobsmacked when it was announced.

“It’s a very exciting time for Canvey and is well overdue as we’ve been neglected over the years.”

In May, Adam Hawksbee from the Government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities visited Canvey to announce and discuss the funding boost with the community.