Lower Thames Crossing Community Liaison Groups

Independent, solution-focused forums that bring together local authority officers, councilors, community representatives, project team members and other relevant stakeholders to help improve the delivery of construction and engagement

Three new Community Liaison Groups are being established by the Lower Thames Crossing to give local representatives a way to shape the project’s construction plans and hold the project to account on its commitment to being a good neighbour.

The Lower Thames Crossing is committed to listening to and acting on the views of local people. The design of the road was shaped by a comprehensive programme of consultation and engagement, and now early work has started the project keeps its neighbours up to date through an outreach programme that includes regular drop-in events, letter drops, and a new interactive map of current and planned activity.

During the liaison group meetings, members of the project team will share information about upcoming work and the likely impact. Conversations with the community representatives will focus on how to avoid or minimise any impacts on the area, and how best to communicate with local residents and businesses.

Members were selected after discussion with affected local authorities, and will include representatives from community groups, along with community leaders such as councillors and local authority officers.

The groups will be led by independent Chairs with extensive knowledge of the Lower Thames Crossing and a strong track record of challenging it on behalf of the local community. Stephen Metcalfe, former MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, will chair the two Community Liaison Groups covering the project north of the River Thames. Bob Lane, Chair of Shorne Parish Council and former Gravesham Borough Councillor will chair the Community Liaison Group covering the project in Kent. Bob was formerly Chair of action groups opposing the Lower Thames Crossing.

Three groups will cover the main construction areas:

South of the River Thames including Gravesend, Medway and Kent.
North bank of the River Thames up to the A13 junction (North 1) including East Tilbury, Linford, Chadwell St Mary and Little Thurrock Blackshots.
A13 junction and area north of the A13 junction (North 2) including Orsett, North Ockendon and Upminster.

Please read our Terms of Reference for more information on the purpose of the forums, how they will be run, and the topics we will focus on.

Lower Thames Crossing Community Liaison Groups

Documents from recent meetings