Calor Gas today revealed it has slashed the number of tankers thundering across Canvey, giving some much-needed relief to islanders.

The company, based at the terminals in Thames Road, is now pumping 75 per cent of its liquid petroleum gas directly to Coryton by pipe.

Before the new plan came into action this week, about 15 lorries travelled to and from the terminal transporting up to 300 tonnes of gas every day.

Now the number of tankers driving along Thorney Bay Road and Long Road to get to the terminal has been slashed to two a day.

Today, leading Tory county councillor Ray Howard, said he was delighted with the company's decision.

He said: "I am absolutely delighted with this announcement. Thames Road is not really wide enough for tankers to drive down. They then have to go past schools which is not really ideal.

"The extension of Roscommon Way is obviously an ideal solution as a route for any tanker and I hope this will happen sooner rather than later."

The move follows a long campaign to reduce the number of lorries driving past their homes.

Graeme Lockwood, terminals manager, said: "I am delighted that this has happened.

"I believe it will significantly contribute towards the reduction of traffic both to and from the terminal and on the island itself.

"I would like to thank the local residents for their patience and I hope that they will soon see the benefits of this development.

"We said we would investigate the pipeline when we took over here and have been holding talks to try and make this happen."

Calor Gas bought the terminal in February 1998 and has spent millions of pounds refurbishing it.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.