Major long-term plans for Barking and Dagenham’s transport future were outlined by members at tonight’s Cabinet meeting.

Members agreed to lobby transport bosses on a range of measures, including plans designed to alleviate congestion on the A13, particularly around the Lodge Avenue roundabout.

Investment upwards of £32million could see the creation of a bus bridge across the A13, a slip road off into Renwick Road plus a further connection linking it with the often-busy roundabout.

Council leader Cllr Darren Rodwell said: “We need the rest of London to realise that every delay we get on the A13 is a cost to London business.”

Members discussed plans to add a c2c stop at Dagenham East Underground Station, plus a direct rail link between Barking and Stratford within the next 15 years.

The council also approved measures to lobby transport bosses about a direct train link from Stratford to Stanstead airport, and to explore the potential of launching a tram system connecting Dagenham Dock to Marks Gate and Barking to Romford.

Barking’s Northern Relief Road is set to be renamed Gurdwara Way in the coming months, after borough bosses voted to recognise the contributions of the Sikh community to the borough.

Meanwhile cabinet members also expressed support for under-threat Barking Power station, facing closure due to a lack of National Grid contracts, and will request urgent intervention from Boris Johnson to try and save it from closure.

Prior to the meeting local Ukip members protested outside Barking Town Hall over the council’s proposed £53.5m cuts to front-line services, as outlined earlier this month.

For the full lowdown pick up a copy of next week’s Post.

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