The leaders of Gravesham and Dartford Councils have put their political differences aside to campaign for Crossrail.

Dartford Council leader Councillor Jeremy Kite and Gravesham's Coun John Burden are hoping the transport scheme will be adapted to service Ebbsfleet Garden City and the Paramount Resort at Swanscombe.

Current proposals would see the line end at Abbey Wood but yesterday the Chancellor agreed to review transport facilities for Ebbsfleet including the possibility of Crossrail.

Coun Kite told News Shopper: "Crossrail is a really great scheme and we're pleased the Government has agreed to investigate the possibility of having it at Ebbsfleet.

"We want to say to ministers, don’t make the mistake of stopping it before Ebbsfleet and Swanscombe.

"Otherwise in three years time, we’ll have ministers coming to open these attractions and their train will stop three miles short of the places.

"Central government is being receptive and we feel there’s a common sense gene operating there.

"We decided to team up after being sat together at lots of Ebbsfleet meetings and realising there was common ground.

"We’ve always got on - he can’t help being Labour - but we realised we were increasingly speaking up for each others’ councils. I think residents prefer us to work together."

Coun Burden said: "Although the current proposals halt at Abbey Wood, the route is safeguarded through our two towns so I hope it means we are pushing at an open door. 

"Both Gravesham and Dartford have huge growth potential but we can only ask local people to meet the challenges ahead if they know the local transport systems can cope. Part of that should be Crossrail."