THREE new river crossings could be built across the Thames in the Gravesend area. Another three could also appear in Dartford and in Medway.

Speculative plans have been discovered by the man in charge of regenerating Gravesham, Cllr Jonathan Clay. He is fiercely opposed to the crossings.

"There are six new river crossings planned for Thames Gateway," said the regeneration chief. One is already being built at Swanscombe - the Thames Tunnel for the Channel Tunnel Rail Link to and from St Pancras. But there is no guarantee any others he mentions will get the go ahead.

"The one which worries me most is planned for the area just next to Gravesend - I believe it to be close to Shornemead fort. The exact alignment has not been revealed. "I believe that it will carry both freight and passenger traffic. The two crossings in Gravesham will also provide a passenger loop with south Essex."

The sources of Cllr Clay's information vary, and include members of the Highways Agency, and strategists from Kent County Council and Medway Council. He also referred to the new Kent Structure Plan consultation document, which is currently out for public discussion.

Cllr Clay said: "It identifies a road crossing at Gravesend. There is a further crossing planned for the Hoo area, but I don't know whether it is proposed to be linked with the airport."