THURROCK councillor Tim Aker has called for a borough wide referendum on the new Thames crossing proposals.

Ukip’s Mr Aker, also an MEP, is one of many against plans to put a new road through the borough, and first suggested the idea two years ago for a referendum to be held at the same time as the general election in May 2015.

The councillor is now calling again for a referendum to take place this May on whether the people of Thurrock want to see a new crossing at the same time as the local elections and election for a new Police and Crime Commissioner.

Mr Aker said: “In 2014 I called on Thurrock Council to hold a referendum on the same day as the General Election when everyone is already voting. We could have had a response from 66% of people in Thurrock which would have improved our position in the consultation.

“I am again repeating these calls for the upcoming local elections. Although not every ward is voting all will be open for the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections, this will mean only a minor extra cost and amount of time will be used.

“It is important we get as many people as possible into this consultation and I call on the Council to take urgent action to make sure this happens.”

In 2011 Norfolk called a referendum on a combustion plant. There was a turnout of 61 percent, with 92 percent against the proposal. The response lead to the proposal being cancelled.

Speaking at a transport overview and scrutiny committee, Mr Aker also raised concerns with officials from Highways England that not everyone in the borough was able to take part in the consultation. He urged officials for all residents to be sent the consultation and a free post envelope.

Mr Aker said: “If the Government is willing to waste £6 billion on the proposal if it goes through then it is only right that they send a consultation pack to all homes within both boroughs with a free post envelope to allow as much feedback and consultation as possible.

“If everyone has an opportunity to give their opinion on the proposed Crossing then the quality of the consultation will be improved and we will be able to show the vast majority of residents are against these plans to destroy our borough.”