EXCLUSIVE

SOME members of a charity that have given 'blood, sweat and tears' to help save one of the most historic sites in Thurrock have spoken of their disappointment after an annual meeting brought the end of an era.

Coalhouse Fort on the Thames at East Tilbury is owned by Thurrock Council but has been run by volunteers for decades.

The Coalhouse Fort Project was started in 1983 to maintain, restore and promote Coalhouse Fort, which was built between 1861 and 1874 to protect England from invasion by the French.  It was used again during WW1 and WW2 before being closed in 1956 following the abolition of Coastal Defence.

The volunteers have worked tirelessly to maintain parts of the fort, offering guided tours to the public on open days and managing several collections of militaria.

In recent times there appears to have been a growing difference between some of the volunteers and the council, who have been accused of lacking commitment to the future of the site.

However, a significant number of the volunteers believe the time has come for change and a new approach.

Those differences of opinion came to a head at today's annual meeting when a proposal by the Coalhouse Fort Project's trustees to shut the project down was accepted.

The council's representative on the project is Cllr Shane Ralph, who attended the meeting, and said: "I was there and I did feel for some of the volunteers who were disappointed.

"The trustees are shutting the project as of today. Another project, trust or charity will be formed and many of the volunteers will be coming on it.

"The old project, for various reasons, had run its course.

"The volunteers did an incredible job of keeping the fort going and safeguarding it from decaying.

"They have put blood, sweat and tears into the fort. The fort is ready to go into its next phase of regeneration and it's exciting. The future looks amazing."

Cllr Ralph's upbeat view of affairs was not shared by everyone.

One of the disgruntled volunteers told Thurrock Nub News that the decision was a painful one to bear and that years of effort had been 'thrown away.' There was scathing comment about the way the council had not supported their efforts over the years and cynicism about what would happen in the future.

East Tilbury councillor Fraser Massey has been keeping close watch on events at the fort.

He says: "I think the issue of Coalhouse Fort Project is a complex one and needs careful intervention and not a complete change of management.

"We need to ensure Coalhouse Fort is accessible for future generations and bring in new supporters from Thurrock."

No information has been given officially on the project's website and it is not known if the open days, which usually start in March, will be happening. Nor is it clear what will happen to the collections of militaria put together by some of the volunteers.

The 'contact us' link on the site has changed and says: "Emails to this address will not be answered for the foreseeable future.  Please direct all fort enquiries to