Residents are faced with a tough decision as the UK’s largest road tunnel, the Lower Thames Crossing, looms on the horizon. Described as “the most significant road project in a generation” by National Highways, the 14.5-mile road will link Essex and Kent with tunnels underneath the river. However, for residents like Jackie Thacker in Orsett, Essex, the project means leaving behind their homes or living next to a major road.
Thacker, a 75-year-old grandmother, has spent decades enjoying the peaceful village life, surrounded by good neighbors. But with the looming threat of the new road, many neighbors have already left, unable to cope with the pressure. Thacker is distraught at the thought of losing everything she loves about her life and is struggling to come to terms with the proposed changes.
National Highways has been acquiring properties along the route for the new road, leading to accusations of disrupting communities and wildlife. The saga has been particularly distressing for Alan Rouse, who was told his house would be demolished after accepting an offer from National Highways. Rouse is now faced with the difficult decision of leaving his home by November or buying the property back from the authority.
Campaigners have raised concerns about the destruction of ancient woodland when the works for the Lower Thames Crossing begin in 2026. Tony and Leigh Hughes, who
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