AN OPPOSITION leader has dismissed Basildon Council's response to the Thames Crossing consultation as unrepresentative of members' views.

The authority sent its submission to Highways England last month, backing a tunnel between Tilbury and Gravesend, known as Option C.

The consultation also included three potential routes linking the proposed tunnel with the M25 in Essex.

Basildon Council's response backed "route four", a road passing through Stanford-le-Hope and to the west of the town, joining the A127 at Dunton.

In a letter to campaigners, Basildon Ukip group leader Linda Allport-Hodge criticised the submission, which was sent on behalf of Tory councillor responsible for planning, Richard Moore.

Mrs Allport-Hodge said: "Ukip in Basildon support the view of Thurrock politicians that option C should be abandoned.

"We also oppose the Basildon Conservative administration's recently announced support for route four.

"It is not only the most expensive option but it will cause the most damage to our green belt.

"Please note that this issue has never come before Basildon Council for debate.

"The representation made to the consultation from Basildon Council was decided upon by a lone Tory cabinet member."

Basildon Council's submission argued route four would offer "greater economic benefits to Basildon borough" because of improved access to Kent and the Channel.

The other two routes put forward in the consultation would see a road running further west through Thurrock to a new M25 entry at North Ockendon, between the existing junctions 29 and 30.