Castle Point MP Bob Spink has called for an urgent meeting with Government ministers over Calor's gas plant plans for Canvey.

The company is expected to appeal to the Government in the next few weeks, after its application to convert from storing liquid petroleum gas to liquid natural gas (LNG) was turned down by Castle Point Council in September.

Tabling three written parliamentary questions this week to the Department of Trade and Industry, Dr Spink said it was essential discussions were held airing residents' concerns as soon as any appeal was lodged.

He added: "The gas plant proposals carry very significant extra risk for local residents on the mainland as well as on the island.

"The proximity of the plant to homes, schools and businesses makes it too dangerous to contemplate and I will be taking our concerns direct to the Government to continue the fight to stop this plan."

Campaign group People Against Methane (PAM) has lobbied hard on behalf of Canvey residents to stop the proposals in their tracks.

Dr Spink has secured an undertaking from the Government to hold a public inquiry on Canvey into the plans. "There are far better sites in the UK to import LNG without the same level of risk for local people," he said.

"I will be asking the Prime Minister if he will meet a local delegation against the plant and I will be taking the Canvey referendum both to 10 Downing Street and presenting it in Parliament," he added.

Other information sought by Dr Spink in his questions, included what discussions have been held so far with other Government departments over the plant plans and what talks had taken place between the Government and the Calor Consortium on its appeal intentions.

Calor spokesman Andrew Ford said the company was "still considering" an appeal.

"The appeal needs to be lodged by March 13. The decision-making process is still going on internally," he said.