Calls for a £120m third river crossing for Great Yarmouth have been supported by the town's MP Brandon Lewis.

Mr Lewis MP has written to the secretary of state for transport, Chris Grayling MP, to make the case for a new bridge.

He outlined how the initial investment would be greatly beneficial for Yarmouth and the surrounding area by supporting the delivery of new jobs, reducing congestion and triggering inward investment.

Mr Lewis said: 'I have always supported a plan for a third river crossing and am hopeful the scheme will be approved by the secretary of state.

'The benefits of the crossing are clear, with the creation of up to 5,000 jobs and attracting inward investment, while also reducing congestion, something that is appreciated by all of us who use the local roads.'

The county council has asked the government to provide funding.

Here is the letter from Mr Lewis:

Dear Chris,

I am writing to you regarding the proposed Third River Crossing in my constituency of Great Yarmouth.

A challenge session between Norfolk County Council officers and Department of Transport officials took place on 24thMay, and it is my understanding that the Department of Transport team have now formulated a recommendation that the proposal is approved. I hope that you take this into consideration as the new crossing will provide the much needed connections between the strategic road network and the Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft

Enterprise Zone. To provide some background, the total project cost is around £145 million, and I strongly believe that this investment would be greatly beneficial for the area. It is estimated that it will

help deliver 5,000 jobs, significantly reduce congestion, and trigger inward investment. Great Yarmouth has seen significant investment in recent years, particularly in renewable energy, and the Third River Crossing would encourage firms to continue investing in the area, creating high-skilled jobs for my constituents and benefiting the whole of East Anglia.

I hope that you will view the application put forward by Norfolk County Council favourably and hope that a decision will be announced in the near future. I would be happy to discuss

the proposal further if you have any questions.

I look forward to hearing from you.