Plans for a £2billion superport on the banks of the Thames as part of the Gateway development would lead to the "rape" of the area, it has been claimed.
Thurrock Council last night unanimously opposed the port scheme, which would create 14,500 jobs and is the subject of a Government planning inquiry.
Tory leader Anne Cheale, who led the attack on the Shell Haven scheme planned by P&O, said the project was the "rape of the area by big business.
Mrs Cheale (Corringham and Fobbing) said that the Manorway "is not an acceptable route" for traffic in and out of the planned port."
She believed that "if there was a catastrophe in Thurrock we could not cope" and added that the scheme - if it wins backing from the inquiry and the Government - would put intolerable strain on schools, other council services and the police.
"It will make the whole area unliveable."
Her comments won all-party support.
Independent councillor for East Tilbury, Barry Palmer, said people living close to the railway lines would be badly affected and that freight trains would lead to problems for East Tilbury which is land-locked - it is only possible to reach the area by crossing the railway line.
Essex County Council this week backed a road scheme linking Canvey and Thurrock at Coryton, but said it did not have the money to push it through.
Published Thursday, July 31, 2003
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