PARISH council chiefs say they have been kept in the dark about plans to build a multi-billion pound tunnel between rural Medway and Canvey Island.

Metrotidal Ltd has submitted plans for the crossing to the Department for Transport.

It has been reported that if approved the scheme could cost between £2 and £4 billion.

But the nine parish councils on the Hoo Peninsula say media reports last night were the first they had heard of the proposed development.

Medway Council, as the area planning authority, would have expected an early steer on the project.

But officials have confirmed that they have has no discussions with the consortium behind the scheme.

Lionel Pearce, chair of Hoo St Werburgh Parish Council, said: “I would like to think that in the first instance they would have got in contact with Medway Council who would have then let us know about it but it seems we have been kept in the dark.”

Dave Warrington, vice chairman of Grain Parish Council, said: “The first thing I heard about the plans was on the news.

“We heard about a separate plan for a hazardous waste site on the Island before it hit the press but we’ve not been contacted about the tunnel and I would have thought we would have been.

“Until we see plans we’re not able to comment on it. I suppose it depends on what kind of intrusion it would have on the area and the spin off it would have.

“There would be an increase in traffic but from a financial point of view it could mean that if it went ahead all the roads would be upgraded and their safety increased.”

According to Metrotidal Ltd the aim of the tunnel is to ease congestion on the M25 at the Dartford Crossing.

The plans also include a new rail route for the Thames Gateway that would link into London’s Cross Rail network as well as a surge-tide barrier and tidal power plant.