A councillor has said supporters of the Lower Thames Crossing should "should hang their heads in shame" after a golf club closed its doors.

Southern Valley Golf Club, in Gravesend, shut today after 23 years due to uncertainty surrounding the £8.2bn project, which is proposed to be built across its land.

Cllr Bryan Sweetland, Kent County Councillor for Gravesham Rural, said on social media: "It is with a heavy heart that after 23 years we say goodbye to Southern Valley Golf Club.

"The loss of this local sports facility is because of the plans to build the Lower Thames Crossing at Gravesend.

"All those who have supported the LTC route should hang their heads in shame."

"My constituents have now lost an important sporting and leisure facility."

The club, in Thong Lane, opened in 1999 and covers 138 acres. It had around 300 members who have been asked to use their outstanding credit and cancel their standing orders.

Southern Valley is located on land that would be needed to build part of the 14-mile road route, which has been set out in public consultations carried out since 2018.

If approved, the Lower Thames Crossing would be built east of Gravesend and is designed to help ease congestion at the Dartford Crossing.

The land would be used for the southern tunnel entrance and new road connecting to the A2/M2, as well as a new public park and open landscaping.

At the time the closure was announced, the golf club's directors said: "Due to the uncertainty with the crossing, the directors of GRT Holdings have decided to accept an offer for the land currently occupied by the golf course.

"It is therefore with regret that we announce that after more than 20 years of operations, we will be closing the business."

In a statement to members today, bosses said: "It is with a heavy heart that after 23 years we say goodbye to Southern Valley Golf Club.

"We hope that over the years you have all had a fantastic time and made memories here on and off of the golf course that you will cherish for many years to come.

"A massive thank you to everyone for your support and loyalty over the years.

"Happy golfing for the future and farewell."