Thurrock’s own Russell Brand has slammed plans to build a new crossing at Option C which would connect a tunnel from the east of Gravesend to the east of Thurrock.

In a video to his fans, Brand cites the peasant’s revolt of 1381 - led by Wat Tyler - as a source of inspiration and reason to sign the petition against the plans.

The petition has risen by nearly 8,000 signatures overnight.

Brand said: “Thurrock is now subject to a terrible, terrible plan.”

“To build this new crossing they’re going to have mess with green belt land, dig up green belt land, destroy some new homes that were built for people, those people are going to have to be jogged on from their homes, even though they’ve just moved in.

“And the thing that touches me most - is there’s a school called Treetops which helps kids with Aspergers, autism and mild learning difficulties of all varieties - they were going to expand that school that school had won it’s dream for expansion but now not only is the expansion scrapped that school is going to be subsumed in fumes and pollution unless we do something to stop it.

“Now this was the birthplace of the peasant revolution Thurrock, that’s where Wat Taylor who led the peasants - and I’m not making any comparison - that’s where he came from.

News Shopper:
The Peasants' Revolt started in Essex in May 1381 led by Wat Tyler

“Small, tiny battles like this, if won communally are a wonderful platform for us to advance on.”

According to the comedian, his family urged him to speak up against the plans.

Road expansions for the tunnel could see school services affected.

Treetops is worried that as well as expansion complications, some pupils would struggle with the excess noise pollution as a result of the new transport infrastructure. 

In response to Brand’s video, Treetops' headteacher of 18 years, Paul Smith, said: “I do welcome his comments.

“He has his own unique style.

“He’s like Marmite, you either love him or you hate him - but I like him.

“He does do and say some zany stuff - but when you dig down, the message he’s getting across is alright with me.

Treetops itself caters for all children with moderate learning difficulties. 

To sign the petition against the building of the Lower Thames Crossing at Option C click here.