HIGHWAYS England have defended their decision to send letters to residents whose homes may be destroyed to make way for a new Thames crossing.

Up to 300 homes have received letters telling them they’re property may be needed for the route a new Thames crossing would take through Thurrock.

Many have complained of the callous nature in which officials sent letters to residents after releasing details of the proposed scheme.

Residents argued they should have been informed months ago when the plans were being drawn so they could prepare for the argument.

Speaking to the Gazette at a public meeting at Orsett Hall, Highways’ Martin Potts, the consultation manager for the project, defended his letter to residents.

He said: “I don’t accept that [speaking to residents earlier]. Quite frankly Highways England felt it was more appropriate that we write to individuals that may ultimately be affected by the scheme.

“It’s better to be open and transparent about it than to not write to them at all. We do recognise it’s a sensitive matter. The first conversation you have with anybody around such a matter is going to be difficult.”

He added: “I can defend what we done, I’ve spoken to individuals who received such a letter and I hope that has gone some way to reassure them of what that means.”

Mr Potts also confirmed that the homes that would be needed for the new route would receive appropriate compensation.

He said the value of a compulsory purchase order would be from before the routes were announced, and that those whose homes will not be knocked down but will be close to the route and be affected will also be compensated.