Plans for UK growth will take a 'massive blow' if Lower Thames Crossing in scrapped
We're hearing from one of the largest trade associations in the country
One of the largest trade associations in the UK has told us that government's plans for growth will takes a 'massive blow' if the Lower Thames Crossing is scrapped.
Last month, decision on whether to go ahead with the nine billion pound project was delayed till May 2025.
It would connect Gravesend in Kent and Thurrock in Essex via a a 2.6 mile tunnel.
Logistics UK - who represent over 18,000 companies from the transport industry and last week Natalie Chapman was at Westminster, along with other businesses and Dartford MP, Jim Dickson.
They believe the crossing is crucial to the future of the country and visited parliament to debate it's importance.
Natalie said: "For logistics businesses, it's vital. We see regular delays at Dartford and it costs the economy about two hundred million pounds a year, it's why we need additional capacity in the area as well a much more resilient network.
"It's a project that is shovel ready and it will bring a number of jobs to Kent and Essex so there is a huge economic benefit that it will deliver and it will unlock growth for future developments in the county.
"If the scheme doesn't go ahead then it will be a massive blow for the UK's plans for growth, it will leave us far less worse off because we need to have a really resilient road network to ensure we have a thriving economy."