Ask the Council - Public Question Time | Improvement

As a Council, we are doing more to engage with our residents directly, creating opportunities for you to speak to us face to face more often.

Throughout 2025 we will have lots to say, and importantly, we will want to know what is on your minds, what you think of our plans and what ideas you have to make Thurrock an even better place to live, work and visit.

On Monday 11 November we held our first ‘Ask the council’ Public Question Time.

Those attending on the night heard from some of our Senior Council Leader, and our Elected Members. There was lots of healthy conversation and questions from the audience.

Your Questions and Answers

We have captured these questions and published them below, along with our responses.

We welcome and encourage questions. We are committed to answering and publishing all that we receive in any of our public engagement sessions.

Education

How many send children are currently lacking a school place and how many are being home educated because there aren't any places available

We currently have 22 Children missing education that have an Education, Health and Care Plan. They have tuition in place where suitable – and when agreed by parents.

Helpful links:

Education, health and care needs assessment

I would like to know the Council's plan on resolving the lack of special school places in Thurrock for children and young people with Special Educational Needs. My 16 years old son is currently out of school now for the past 7 weeks and not having any tuition as alternative.

We are working with all our local post 16 providers to ensure we meet the needs of our learners. This includes Supported Internships, Future Skills training, and an Employability programme delivered by central services at Inspire. The local colleges South Essex College and United Seevic Palmers offer courses to young people with SEND.

For those young people without post 16 provision you can contact Inspire Youth who will identify the most appropriate route. A range of short training courses are also available via Inspire (volunteering, CSCS Course).

Helpful links:

Inspire Youth Hub | Ask Thurrock

Thurrock Careers | Career support for young people | Thurrock Council

Road safety

We were recently asked opinions regarding parking round schools. Having been a parent I understand the difficulty that some parents face at drop off and pick up. However, I note the absence of any school help in the task. It is now chaotic and dangerous.

Are the council looking at any methods to stop the dangerous parking, to encourage parents to consider the neighbouring homes and the safety of their children and others.

The school survey closed on Sunday 20 October 2024, and over 400 responses were received. These responses have been analysed and were shared with members of the Task and Finish Group on Tuesday, 5 November 2024. This data will now feed into the final Parking at Schools Framework, which will be published and presented to the Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee in February 2025, before being signed-off and approved by Cabinet. Once approved, this will be shared and will set out our current position. This will also be emailed directly with those that responded to the survey and linked from the survey page.

Helpful links:

Committee meetings calendar – from here you can also find agenda papers and watch our committee meetings online.

Survey page

Why don’t the council make homeowners who have made driveways in front gardens pay for dropped kerbs instead of them driving over public highways. They block pathways and damage the footpaths whilst the rest of us all paid for dropped kerbs.

Residents crossing the highway, without an official dropped kerb are doing so illegally, however enforcement is challenging.

If we are made aware of individuals who are damaging the highway, then we write to them and ask them to stop or have a crossing installed.

We also write to residents when we carry out pavement maintenance work and we offer them a crossing installation at a reduced rate, however not all residents take up the offer. This is a national challenge, but we note the concerns raised and will discuss what more we can do to address this as a council.

You can find out more about dropped kerbs on our website here: https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/dropped-kerbs/use-of-dropped-kerbs

Resident costs

The plan to remove the 25% single person reduction for Council Tax is a huge concern. How is this fair for residents of all ages living in the borough? Will you get rid of the 25% council tax discount for single households?

Current Council Tax regulations require all Councils to provide a 25% discount against the standard charge for Council Tax where there is only one adult living in a property. Whilst we are aware that there has been some speculation that the Government may be considering making changes to this, at this stage we have not received any confirmation or further detail in respect of this. We will of course carefully consider any future Government announcements and potential impact on Thurrock’s residents should any changes to the current rules be made.

More information about Council Tax discounts can be viewed on our website: Who gets a discount

What’s the future for cost rising issues and how Thurrock council going to help their residents as in the past they have created more problems and brought more money expenses and losses because of their poor and corrupt governance. Especially case like solar investment.

Now council tax rises, we have to pay for garden bin collection and other rubbish collection is every second week, childcare reduces, cuts in education etc.

We know that recent changes made by council have had a direct impact on residents’ bills, but these for the most part have brought us into line with most other councils across Essex who have increased Council Tax year on year, and have been charging for things like garden waste for some time. However, we do know that the changes have caused challenges for some residents and we’re sorry for that.

We have created Thurrock Cares to be a helping hand if you are struggling, here to support you and make sure that you can manage with the cost of living. Our website www.thurrock.gov.uk/thurrockcares is an excellent starting place to find out what help is available, and please look out for one of our roadshows, or pop along to any of our libraries to find a Warm Space to sit, read or meet friends throughout the cold winter months.

Council finance and governance

What changes have been put into place to ensure that the residents of Thurrock are not liable for gambling or investment debts. Surely accountability is paramount

We are leaving no stone unturned in trying to recover the money that was lost through those poor investments. We have already launched a High Court lawsuit against businessman Liam Kavanagh and investment company Rockfire Capital Ltd to recover misappropriated investment funds. We know how much local people want to see this public money recovered, which is why we are pursuing every possible route to get Thurrock’s money back.

In regards to Liam Kavanagh, what is the situation with bringing him to accountability, in regards misappropriation of use of funds.

Why has no-one been prosecuted for causing the council to be in so much debt?

We all want to see anyone guilty brought to book for what has happened. We welcome the various investigations that have commenced and are cooperating fully with them.

Environment

Would like to know if the council could tidy up the grass verge from Beechcroft Ave to the park on the left hand side of the road (coming into Linford) as traffic are mostly driving over the speed limit and when the weeds have grown as high as they do every year, it is impossible for the young and old to see them coming, something needs to be done before someone gets hurt or something more serious.

Thank you for alerting us to this issue. Officers visited the area and have cut back the weeds.

I’d like to ask about keeping our streets looking respectable. It’s well known that rubbish is a real problem in Thurrock. It’s everywhere on our streets. Typically, crisp packets, sweet wrappers and fag ends everywhere. Where we live, we never see a street sweeper. The rubbish just sits there. This is a major obstacle to Thurrock being a nice place to live. What can be done about this?

The council visits this area once a fortnight with the street cleanser and every three weeks with a scarab (road sweeper). This is not generally a problem area of the borough for litter, but we note the resident’s comments and will keep an eye on the situation here.

For concerns about large amounts of litter or regular problem areas, you can report this to us using the form on our website: Littering | Littering and litter bins | Thurrock Council

I am a local resident and have been since 1998. Over the last 9 months we have an increasing rat problem on Chafford Hundred which was certainly made much worse after the wooded area adjacent to my home were hacked down last and the now biweekly refuse collections and household waste box’s been left all over the area.

After spending over £700 in pest control after the council advised me there is no local pest control it’s down to residents, I am now finding rats running along fences and in gardens and cycle paths. This is an environmental health issue and unless we do something wider, we have an even bigger problem. I would like to understand what support there is and what can be done as I cannot afford to pay this constantly and I cannot control this by just having poison etc in my own garden.

Our Grays ward Environment Protection officer will be in touch with this resident to arrange a visit at her address to make an Environmental Protection Public Health Assessment and provide advice regarding how environmental protection can assist in these circumstances.

If areas of council land are witnessed to have a problem with vermin, then we will consider the most appropriate pest control treatments.

Residents should continue to treat pest issues within their address and use a pest control contractor with British Pest Control Association membership. More information can be found on our website: Pest control | Animal care and control | Thurrock Council

Are the council going to do anything about the increased vermin situation in Chafford Hundred?

With regards to the litter bins in Chafford Hundred we are going to increase the regime of emptying the bins in the footpaths next to Mary Rose Close to avoid bin waste over spilling onto the floor which is what we believe the main driver of the complaint below. We have noticed that some of the bins are being abused recently with household waste which may be further impacting the litter bins. If areas of council land are witnessed to be harbouring / enticing vermin, then the relevant council land owning department would consider the most appropriate pest control treatments.

Where residents have a concern regarding property conditions or household rubbish accumulation that are encouraging pests, then they can log a service request on the council website and an Environmental Protection Officer will contact them to discuss an investigation.

Residents should continue to treat pest issues within their own address and use a pest control contractor with British Pest Control Association membership.

Enforcement

Is there a law on repeated pet noise?

Unreasonable pet noise can be investigated as a statutory nuisance under section 79 of The Environmental Protection Act 1990, where it emanates from a property or land and affects another property. Residents can log pet noise concerns using the council website and an Environmental Protection Officer will contact them to discuss the investigation. After reviewing a resident’s noise diary evidence, qualified noise officers may require access to their address to witness how they are being affected.

What is the council’s policy regarding fly tipping?

Thurrock Council investigates all fly-tips on council land and any evidence found is used to issue fines to those responsible. We also confiscate vehicles that are suspected of being used for waste crime.

Thurrock Council will remove fly tipping from all council land. Obstructions to public maintainable highways would normally be a priority along with dangerous items. We have a range of staff and vehicles to collect small to large fly tips. We do not clear fly tipping from private land, and this would be the responsibility of the land or property owner to remove and secure their land and property.

More information about how to dispose of large objects and report fly tipping can be found on our website: How to dispose of large objects | Fly-tipping | Thurrock Council

Planning

What is the Council’s view on building on GreenBelt and unsuitable marsh land?

When considering applications for development in the Green Belt consideration needs to be given to whether the proposal is defined as appropriate or inappropriate development in the Green Belt. This is defined within National Policy. Where development is identified as ‘inappropriate development’ consideration will need to given as to whether ‘Very Special Circumstances’ exist. With all planning applications the Council need to consider the Development Plan and material planning considerations in reaching a decision.

Helpful link:

National Planning Policy Framework

In light of the recent Government approval of the 1000 new homes at East Tilbury against council and local resident wishes, concern is raised about the future of the Purfleet-on-Thames. We have a history of failed regeneration plans. And now fear Government will allow developers to decide our future leaving us open to being a logistics hub with more houses and no infrastructure. Our residents have had no meaningful updates since earlier this year. Both John Rowles and I have far more knowledge on the history of the area and the past plans than either the council, many of which are temporary or interim or our under trained planning committee. Would the council agree to regular meaningful monthly meetings with John and myself to discuss details of any proposals or ideas about our future plans. We would be happy to meet with potential developers. We do not want fait a comple.

We know how stressful the delays to the regeneration in Purfleet-on-Thames have been for local people and we are working hard with Homes England to get the plans back on track. We have already heard helpfully from residents about really important issues like the improved infrastructure we will need in the area to support more homes, and as a council we are reviewing and improving our approach to engagement to make sure local people’s voices are heard loud and clear when decisions need to be made about their local area.

Can you confirm the timetable for the Local Plan process following the approval of the Issues and Options (Regulation 18 Document) by the Council in December 2023?

Cabinet approved a timetable for the Council’s Local Plan on the Wednesday, 9 October 2024. This timetable indicated adoption early 2028. A copy of the accompanying report can be found on the Council’s meeting pages at: https://democracy.thurrock.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=129&MId=6548

How long will it be before the Council has a Local Plan as at the moment developers are just picking plots of land including green belt it’s seems open season as the council says no and developers just go to appeal and win!

When are the council going to do something about the congestion in South Ockendon area caused by building so many new houses/flats without addressing the infrastructure of the already overpopulated roads, doctors & schools - the area is overloaded.

We recognise that there are pressures on infrastructure which can be made worse by development. As part of the planning application process, it can be appropriate for the council to secure developer contributions to remedy the impact of that development. For any application over 50 dwellings the applicant is required to support their application with a Transport Assessment, and this is reviewed accordingly. If harm to the road network is identified, council seeks remedy in either direct highway mitigation or in the event of significant intervention, contributions towards a larger scheme. With respect to existing congestion issues, we will continue to work proactively to try and alleviate pressures which includes proposals to support all types of transport used by residents.

Helpful link:

Managing traffic and improving safety

Complaint sent regarding alleged breaches of planning control at Sutton Hall Farm South Hill SS16 6JD, Planning Contravention Notice 23/00047/BUNUSE. No response to emails and telephone calls to the Thurrock Planning enforcement Office since September 2023

Thurrock Council apologises that this report has not be dealt with more quickly and for not keeping the resident who made the complaint updated on progress. This complaint is currently under investigation. We cannot say more at this stage, but we will update all concerned with the progress we have made.

Do you support the number of homes that could be built under the 'Local Plan', especially around 7,500 on mostly farmland around South Ockendon?

There’s no doubt that Thurrock needs more homes. Where those go needs to be decided in discussions with residents. As we develop the local plan in consultation with residents and businesses, we will set out the level of housing provision we need as a borough.

Transport

Why is there such a lack of transport for Purfleet? The options we do have are extremely limited. Considering we are encouraged to use public transport; we don't have that luxury in Purfleet. There are no buses to colleges, schools (special none school bus runs twice a day during term time only to Ormiston), hospitals or anywhere other than lakeside and Grays which run at very restricted times. The train prices are crazy! It costs my son £3.40 each way to go to college, and that is one stop on the train. If I travel to London, I get an uber to Rainham or Upminster as its cheaper!! Where is the logic in that? My children are restricted as to where they can socialise or work as it is impossible to get to places that take 15 minutes in a car!

Purfleet-on-Thames is supported by two frequent bus services, both operated by Ensign Bus. The 44 is a long-standing service which runs on a 30minute frequency, allowing a connection from Purfleet to Lakeside and Grays. Earlier this year the council has also helped fund through its Bus Service Improvement Plan Plus funding an extension to the 22 bus service, extending the bus once an hour from Aveley into Purfleet, allowing residents to connect to South Ockendon, and on to Grays. Both bus services allow connections to other bus routes allowing further extension across and beyond the borough. Single bus fares are currently capped at £2.00, with Ensign offering an adult all-day pass for £5.50, £20 for a week, and £70 for 4 weeks.

Rail services are also available on a minimum thirty-minute frequency from Purfleet, with a single fare paid via contactless costing £7.40 peak and £6.30 off-peak to Fenchurch Street, and £6.40/£5.50 to West Ham. C2C also offer a range of season ticket and discounts to help further reduce the price of travel. For your son, by using a 16-17 Saver railcard and purchasing a flexi-connect season ticket, this would cost £21.65 for 8 one-way journeys to Grays, or £26.30 to Rainham, valid for four weeks.

Due to the way buses are managed in London, bus services are unable to easily operate across the London Boundary from Purfleet, with nearly all bus services across the London Boundary provided by Transport for London. This is something the Government has announced it is trying to address through its plans for Combined Authorities, as set out in its recent devolution white paper.

The widening of the A13 has resulted in more noise pollution and why have the Mitigation plantings that have died not been replaced? Why is there not a 50 MPH speed limit in place further to the west on the same road?

We acknowledge that there has been a loss of planting, and we know residents are keen to see it replaced. We will monitor the areas to see whether there is natural regrowth with more native species – if not we will look at what we can do.

Most of the A13 was constructed and designed to de-restricted standards, which means it follows national speed limit policy. The 50mph section and the section to the West are managed by National Highways. Thurrock Council manage a small section of the A13 to the East of the 50mph section, this section is monitored by us but there are no current plans to reduce the speed limit.

What parts of the Borough is Highways England responsible for? What section of roads around the Orsett area.

National Highways (formerly Highways England) is responsible for maintaining the following roads / sections of road:

M25
A282
A13 – EASTBOUND From Thurrock western boundary to A13 bridge over A1089
A13 - WESTBOUND From surface change by A1089 Tilbury slip lane to Thurrock western boundary
A1089 – From A13 to Port of Tilbury Main Dock entrance (junction with St. Andrews Road)

Why are electric scooters and bike still plaguing or streets and pathways even though they have been illegal for years.

Not many people realise that E-scooters are considered motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988, and the rules that apply to motor vehicles also apply to e-scooters. This includes rules about licenses, insurance, tax, and complying with road traffic legislation. It's illegal to use a privately owned e-scooter on public land. Users can face fines, penalty points on their license, and the e-scooter could be seized by Police. We work really closely with our colleagues in the police, and if there’s a specific area where you think this is a big problem, we’d be happy to raise it with the police.

Why haven't the council adopted a no parking on pathways unless road signage allows and area's marked so if parked outside of the area will incur a penalty.

Highway Authorities outside of London currently do not have the same enforcement powers as London Authorities. The Department of Transport is undertaking a review of these powers, and we are waiting to see the outcome of this before deciding on a way forward.

Tilbury Ferry

Is there an update on the reintroduction of the Tilbury to Gravesend ferry service, and are TBC liaising with KCC regarding this. Is any reintroducing reliant on a new pontoon and / or need for this to be added to an Uber type service to London.
What's happened to the tilbury ferry?

The Tilbury to Gravesend ferry ceased operating at the end of March 2024, following the withdrawal of funding for the service by Kent County Council. The Council is working with other key partners to look for a longer-term solution to support the return of the ferry service, including working with businesses and potential ferry operators and is being led by the Thames Estuary Growth Board. They have now commissioned a new study to look at how the service can be delivered into the future. The council is expecting the outcome from this study to be published at the end of November 2024. This will help the council to see how it can better support a future service.

While any new river service connecting Thurrock with London could dovetail with a new ferry service, a return of the Tilbury to Gravesend ferry is not reliant on any commuter service to London or the extension of the pontoon.

Housing and regeneration

Council property in East Tilbury and was promised a gas supply to be installed to help with energy costs. Other estates owned by the local authority have been improved – Garron Estate and Seabrook Rise – whereas I have been forgotten about and my house is cold, and I cannot afford to heat it using electricity alone.

We’re sorry to hear this and are aware of the challenges residents face due to high energy costs and the rising cost of living. There is a lot of help and advice available for residents at www.thurrock.gov.uk/thurrockcares

With regards to these specific properties, it will depend on whether it is feasible to install a singular gas supply to a single property. Councils are moving away from installing new gas supplies because of local and national commitments and regulations related to climate change. However, we are happy to explore alternative energy saving measures for you which may in turn improve the energy performance rating for the property. Please speak to your local housing team about this. We will continue to explore submissions to Government for sustainable energy grants and funding schemes to improve the energy efficiency of its housing stock.

Has Thurrock Council got homes for key workers? Because I am a childminder living in private accommodation over 3 years now and now the landlord has increased the rent tremendously and wants to sell out the property. Your policy says that you have to live in Thurrock for 5years before registering for council accommodation which is not helping. What should I do?

We know how expensive housing is for people, and with 5000 people on the waiting list for council housing, it’s really difficult to help everyone who needs a home. We do offer some support for key workers, but unfortunately childminders are not considered key workers nationally.

We are very sorry to hear about the problems you face. This is, unfortunately, currently an all too familiar tale from the private sector, exacerbated by one of the worst housing crises experienced in the UK for a significant period. More information about support with housing is available on our website

If the regeneration of Purfleet-on-Thames fails to get the support, it needs from the Government. Does this mean that properties will be built but without the necessary infrastructure to support an ever-growing community?

We know how stressful the delays to the regeneration in Purfleet-on-Thames have been for local people and we are working hard with Homes England to get the plans back on track. We have no intention of allowing the plans to go ahead without the local infrastructure improvements that residents have talked to us about. Our conversations with residents have looked at the need for healthcare, a new primary school, improvements to the railway, and some sort of focal point for the town. We know you can’t just build houses without thinking about the needs of the growing community, and so these improvements are at the front of our minds as we move forward.

How many 'irregular' migrants are housed in Thurrock, to be housed in Thurrock and what is it costing?

The council does not house irregular migrants.

Waste and recycling

Will the policy for charging for brown bins in sheltered housing be reviewed? The gardens are communal and not everyone gardens, although everyone although everyone benefits from those that look after these areas.

The council will collect from any permitted garden waste bin, which is presented for collection on the correct day of collection as instructed. If a group of residents living in sheltered accommodation want to club together to subscribe collectively, that’s fine – you just need one resident to make the payment as the named permit holder. Subscriptions are currently closed but we plan to reopen them in February ready for the spring/summer peak gardening period. Find out more about the service.

When will the brown bins which have been full before the charging policy came in be emptied? There are three by the gate at the side entrance at Harty Close, also others over the complex.

We are running a project to collect the unused brown bins at sheltered housing locations, including Harty Close, throughout November and December 2024. The project will take several weeks to complete however we hope to have this concluded before the end of 2024.

A group of 8 likeminded people with impairments wanted a Centre for Independent Living. The Council gave half the money from 106 money. That's how the Beehive in Grays got built. How will the 106 monies now help the disabled community - could it be travel for older people and people with impairments, or get an access officer back or what can you suggest?

Thank you for your question. As this is a complex issue involving some history, and multiple teams, we will ask a senior officer to contact the resident who asked the question, to find out a bit more about the issues, and provide a comprehensive answer.

We have requested a black and gold bin at the top of Baker Street (Bus Stop) 200 and 100 route but do not seem to be getting anywhere with it. The litter down the bank behind is getting worse.

Thank you for your request. There are weekly street cleaning visits to this area, and we don’t generally receive reports about litter, but we will continue to monitor the situation. Installing a bin tends to encourage household waste and fly tipping, which could lead to more litter than is currently manageable. If you feel this area is still becoming problematic for litter and requires a bin, please let us know by emailing [email protected] and we will investigate further.

Devolution and local government reorganisation

Would it not make sense for local authorities in Essex to join together to create larger administrative areas. There seems to be no real advantage to having smaller boroughs whereas a Borough consisting of Thurrock, Brentwood and Basildon would allow for better growth, facilities and importantly, may be less cost.

This would also facilitate in planning where new housing/employment areas could be looked at regionally rather than Borough wide. With all Local Authorities suffering from a lack of central funding creating far fewer but larger boroughs could be a viable solution.

The government has just published its English Devolution White Paper which sets out its plans for changes both to how decisions are made in local areas, and how Local Government is structured. There is still a lot of detail to go through, but Thurrock can see the potential of working more closely with our neighbours on big issues like transport and skills, and we will keep residents posted as more information becomes available about what the proposals mean for our borough.

Other issues

Are we being bold enough in our vision for Thurrock?

Our new Corporate Plan, A fresh start for Thurrock, sets out a bold vision for Thurrock which we think is ambitious both in terms of operating in a completely new way as a council (collaborative, consultative, open and transparent) and in our desire for the residents of Thurrock to benefit from every opportunity on their doorstep, including from the Freeport and other big businesses in our borough.

Could we be audacious and ask for a bail-out?

Commissioners meet regularly with Government who are already supporting the council to continue to deliver its services for residents and pay back its debt in a carefully managed way. The important thing is that we focus on recovery and getting the council back into a stable and self-sufficient place.

In the opinion of the panel members, what are Thurrock's most pressing community needs?

We recognise that the cost of living is a big concern for many residents, and we want to make sure people have access to the support and advice they need. That’s why we launched the Thurrock Cares campaign to make sure residents can access the help and support they need, especially through the cold winter months.

Question is to John Kent. Please tell me and other residents of Thurrock why I or they should vote for any representative of Thurrock unitary borough council whatever the representatives political leaning?

When looking at the litany of failed schemes/promises/ undelivered developments of this council which you yourself have described as untenable (which in my dictionary means cannot continue). Indeed, Dr Dave has criticised poor management and political differences as being part of the cause of the mess this council has created, what has changed ?

In addition is the leader happy that many of the same people are moving to make up the accountable body for finances for both FREEPORT and the LOWER THAMES CROSSING. thinking in particular of Tilbury town and Grays town fund so that’s two parts of my question.

It’s not for the council to advise a resident on who to vote for, but in response to the question about what has changed we would say that this is a different council to the one that was responsible for the previous problems. We have a new administration, new senior officers, a clear plan, new governance arrangements, and oversight from Commissioners. We are putting all our energies into correcting the wrongs of the past, and moving forward positively.

What’s happening regarding The State?

The State cinema is an important historic asset within Grays, which is privately owned. The Council is seeking clarity from the owner regarding their intentions for the future of the State and is also in ongoing dialogue with Historic England over the options available to protect this historic building.

What are the council's proposal to secure the protection of and very long term secured future of the Thameside Theatre Library and Museum?

We know how important the library, museum and theatre are to Thurrock residents. There are many well-rehearsed issues with the building and we’re continuing to explore with local people how we can ensure the long-term future of these popular attractions.

How much longer do the residents of tilbury have to suffer with the dust from the wood recycling centre?

Esken Renewables on Windrush Way / Fort Road Tilbury is an industrial wood waste process regulated and permitted by The Environment Agency; their dust emissions are controlled by The Environmental Permitting Regulations (2016). Where the council receive complaints about this industrial process, they are referred to the EA using their freephone 24/7 365 (staffed) incident reporting line - 0800 80 70 60. Residents can use this reporting line at the time they are affected, where they will be asked to provide their postcode, times witnessed etc. This information will greatly assist officer investigations for cross referencing with meteorological conditions. An EA investigating officer visited Esken in September and witnessed dust arising from the storage/loading of shredded wood was not being adequately controlled. Esken has since built a covered area for the storage of shredded wood as well as installing two more water cannons. Additional water cannons are used for dust suppression during prolonged periods of dry weather. Should Thurrock Officers witness dust leaving the Esken site during their district duties, then their evidence will be referred to the EA for action.

What is the alley between my house and my neighbours classed as please?

As this is a specific issue relating to one address, the council will contact the resident directly to help answer their enquiry.

What is the future of the fenced off land on Orsett rd between Bradleigh ave and dell road?

There is a planning application in this vicinity that is being determined by the council. The application reference and description is: - 23/01496/FUL

The application is for 37 residential dwellings (mix of houses and apartments), together with access, car parking, landscaping / amenity areas and associated works.

As a Registered Public Service Translator (English and Polish) and having 10 years of experience in the field, I have been trying to offer my knowledge and skills in order to bridge the language gap in this community. I have worked for many councils (for Children’s Services, Social Services) throughout the UK (Southampton, Bedford, Manchester).

I have not been able to speak with anyone here at Thurrock where I live for more than 10 years now. Is there a possibility to speak with professionals who could benefit from my skills?

Thank you for this offer. We will contact you direct to help make links with local opportunities. Future enquiries by other residents can be made by emailing [email protected]

What activities and day centres are STILL going to be available for disabled adults in Thurrock in 2025?

The council commissions Thurrock Lifestyle Solutions to provide opportunities across the borough, supporting people to attend activities or simply to go out for lunch. The main locations are in Chadwell, Corringham and Ockendon. The Corringham base also supports adults with a Physical Disability or Sensory Impairment.

Outside of the borough there are other day opportunities, such as Arc and eligible people are also free to take up a direct payment and they can arrange and pay for their own day care, or activities wherever suits them best. One example of this is The Den, located in Corringham. It’s run by a small independent provider and is primarily accessed via the use of a direct payment.

For completeness we continue to provide a day service for Older People at Cromwell Road within Thurrock and some of our current home care providers run clubs also, such as Club Pineapple.

More information is available on our website: Overview | Day services for adults | Thurrock Council