The long-awaited West Thurrock Relief Road has come a step closer this week with the Government allocating £2m to the project for next year.

In December 2000 the Government agreed that grants of around £8m would be available for the project - aimed at taking heavy lorries away from busy residential streets - but the money was not expected to be released until 2003 or 2004.

But now, although Thurrock Council and the Government have still to complete negotiations and agree final details, the first part of that £8m should be available in the next few months.

"It's great news for motorists and a great Christmas present for West Thurrock," said John Kent, Thurrock's cabinet member for regeneration.

He added: "We are eager to make a start, and moving traffic away from communities is something we have been urging the Government to do for quite some time - it's something we wanted sooner rather than later."

But he added: "I think we owe a debt of thanks to the Thames Gateway. Were it not for their crucial backing and support for this scheme, I don't think we would have got this money as quickly as we have."

Last week's meeting of the cabinet agreed to start action to compulsorily purchase land for the road and added that a "best-case scenario" could see work starting on the road "immediately", but a "worst-case" could still mean a two-year delay.

The £2m announcement was made at the same time as the Government said that Thurrock will receive more than £1m more than expected for integrated transport needs next year.

In 2000 the Government indicated Thurrock's 2002/3 allocation would be £2.601m - in fact it will be £3.894m.

Val Liddiard, the cabinet member for transport, said the money for such things as bridge maintenance and decriminalisation of parking in the borough was £700,000 more than expected and funds for road maintenance have gone up by £404,000 from last year.

"We are seeing big and important changes to the road network in and around Grays," said Ms Liddiard, alluding to the Grays Western by-pass, linking London Road and Hogg Lane and removing traffic from Grays town centre, which is expected to be completed next year.

"The aim of this strategic transport plan is to provide improved conditions for road users and reduce the disruptive effects of traffic on residents and pedestrians," she said.

Published Tuesday December 18, 2001