PEOPLE opposed to plans for a new bridge across the Thames at Thamesmead took their message onto the streets at the weekend.

The Action Group Against the Bridge was demonstrating outside Bostall Library where Labour councillor Manny Blake was holding his monthly surgery and spoke to him about its concerns.

The group was founded by residents who fear their roads could be overrun by traffic from the new bridge.

They are concerned about the lack of any measures to stop their roads, including Brampton Road, Danson Road and Long Lane, from becoming rat runs for traffic leaving the bridge and heading for the A20 or A2.

As well as the volume of traffic, members are also worried about safety and pollution.

After their demonstration, the protesters went on to meet Bexleyheath and Crayford MP Nigel Beard.

Members of the group are among more than 700 people who have objected to Bexley Council against the planning application for the bridge.

Other objectors include the Local Agenda 21 traffic group, which wants to see the new crossing confined to public transport, a number of residents' associations and community forums.

Bexley Council is holding a special meeting of its planning committee tomorrow to agree its response to the planning application, which will be decided by Greenwich Council.

A number of objectors will be speaking at the meeting which is open to the public. It is being held in the council chamber at Bexley civic offices at 7.30pm