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Video: Meeting held on
proposed new crossing

by Rachel Hovenden

The leader of Kent County Council was heckled at a meeting last
night, which saw about 600 people turn out to show their opposition
to a proposed new Lower Thames crossing.

Cllr Paul Carter defended the route, which would link the A2
east of Gravesend to the M11 in Essex via Chawell St Mary or
Stanford-le-Hope and apologised to those who were likely to be
affected.

He said: "Of course there's going to be an impact on some
individuals but we are supporting one that reduces the impact in
connecting the M2 to that third Thames crossing.

"I know that won't be popular.

"I'm trying to articulate the reasons why I believe a third
Thames crossing is needed and I believe that to be the best
location on offer at this moment in time."

He added that 6,000 jobs would be created by the crossing but
was unable to confirm who would receive those jobs nor what those
jobs would be.

He also emphasised that he preferred the option of a tunnel
because it would have a lesser impact on residents and the
environment than a bridge.

Richard Knox-Johnston, chairman of Protect Kent, argued against
the crossing saying that the current Dartford crossing should be
expanded and the tolls removed.

He said: "We
don't want the county put in aspic. We don't work like that.

"Any development has got to be sustainable."

And Gravesham Borough Council leader, Cllr Mike Snelling, also
spoke out against the proposals.

He said: "I can assure you that Gravesham Borough Council, all
the time that I am leader, will pursue that and resist very firmly
the crossing East of Gravesend."