Lower Thames Crossing reveals Community Fund projects
15th May 2023
National Highways has unveiled the successful community and environmental projects across Thurrock, Essex and Havering that have been awarded grants through the Lower Thames Crossing Community Fund.
The £250,000 fund has been set up by National Highways to support local charities and not-for profit community groups near the route of the proposed Lower Thames Crossing. Working in partnership with Essex and Kent Community Foundations, 55 projects north and south of the River Thames have been awarded grants of up to £10,000 each.
40 projects in Thurrock, Essex and Havering have been awarded a total of £165,000 funding including:
- Orsett Primary School – providing new outdoor play equipment
- Thurrock Local History Society – development of an interactive heritage map for walkers, cyclists and horse riders
- Odyssey Explore Scout Group – investing in new camping equipment so they can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award
- Friends of Dagnam Park – supporting a conservation programme
- Havering Green Streets – enhancing a pond, installing new signage and running Forest Schools for local children and adults
A further 15 projects in Kent have been awarded funding, including Cobham Pre-school, Thames and Medway Canal Association, Northfleet Community Farm and Cyclopark.
If the Lower Thames Crossing is given the go ahead by the government, a larger Community Fund will be established to support communities near to the new road as its being built.
Emily Dawson, Head of Benefits, Lower Thames Crossing said: “We’re committed to helping local communities make the most of our investment in the road network. The Lower Thames Crossing is a transformational project that will improve the journeys for millions and give the region a huge boost. In the coming weeks the project will take a step forward as our plans are examined by the Government’s independent planning authority. In the meantime, we are delighted to share the details of the fantastic projects we are investing in today, so that our neighbours can feel the benefit of this investment years before a spade goes into the ground.”
Andy Payne Worpole, Head of Programmes at ECF said: “We are pleased to work with LTC and be involved in this partnership project to support local communities. The funding will make a big difference to local charities and smaller voluntary groups as they continue to deliver their excellent work, especially at this financially challenging time.”
Hazel Eddy, Trusts and Foundations manager at Re-Engage said: “Your donation will truly make a difference in helping us support people aged 75 and older living in Thurrock who are lonely, socially isolated and in need of companionship.
“Sadly, the cost-of-living crisis is forcing many older people to stop accessing social opportunities and with no means of increasing their income, our free services will be more important than ever. This funding means that our staff and volunteers will be able to show older people that they are not alone.”
Between 2020 and 2025 the Lower Thames Crossing is investing more than £30 million in projects across the region, and has recently funded projects including 10km of new gigabit capable broadband infrastructure to connect South Ockendon to Great Warley in Brentwood, through North Ockendon to the existing full fibre network; Essex Wildlife Trust projects to create new habitats in Thurrock; restoring heritage features in Dagnam Park and Warley Place, Brentwood; and supporting RSPB environmental enhancements at Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve.
The funding is provided through National Highway’s standalone (or designated) funding programme, which is a national scheme that aims to deliver lasting benefits for communities and the environment beyond the organisation’s role of managing England’s network of Motorways and A-roads. The funding is seperate from the Lower Thames Crossing’s core project budget, which is subject to government approval.