As a resident I attended the public meeting held at St Michael's Community Centre to discuss the proposed Thames Gateway Bridge.

I was absolutely appalled by the arrogance and pomposity of our Labour MP.

Mr Beard implied the bridge was good news for regeneration and jobs along the river and residents would just have to put up with the consequences of it.

It appears he is not willing to speak up in Parliament for residents nor convey their opinions to his government.

Our Labour MP thinks he knows best and is always prepared to tell us. I thought he was elected to represent our interests and our views in Westminster.

In fact, he never seems to listen and when confronted as at the meeting he becomes aggressive and partisan.

When the General Election does come residents will throw him out and choose an MP who takes the views of constituents seriously.

Iris Kempton Bexleyheath l News Shopper had a reporter at the meeting where Mr Beard told the audience he did support the bridge and would not change his mind for political expediency because the bridge was unpopular with some residents. He also added: "I will work very hard to make sure the building of the bridge will not hurt anyone."