Statement on Canvey Third Road Task Force
The Council is aware of recent public statements that a task force was set up to pursue the provision of a third access route for Canvey, referred to as a "Canvey West Access Task Force", and that following a change of administration at Castle Point Council the task force never met again.
This is not the case. After initial discussions with stakeholders in May 2022, the proposed work of the task force was identified as most effectively progressed via ASELA (Association of South Essex Local Authorities) where the need for improved road access Canvey could be put in the regional context. This activity ultimately resulted in inclusion of the need for a third Canvey access route being raised in the Transport East Strategy (February 2023), in the Essex County Council LTP 4 (2025), as well as our draft local plan. Liaison with Essex County Council continues as we seek to get improved access to Canvey prioritised for our residents.
The Council is strongly committed to working with partners to improve access onto the island. Work on this issue continues, including writing to the Transport Secretary earlier this year to press the case, and ongoing joint work across a multitude of forums and strategies.