THURROCK Council's leading housing councillor has confirmed the authority is taking the government to task for placing refugee families in private accommodation in the borough without telling the council.

In the wake of concerns expressed by local residents and Labour councillors and rumours that non borough residents council leader Rob Gledhill responded to refute such a thing was happening and he says that Labour has embarked on a 'dishonest' misinformation campaign.

But what the political row has brought to the surface is the fact that refugees have been moved to the area on the quiet!

Cllr Barry Johnson, Cabinet member for Housing to;ld Thurrock NubNews this evening: "The Home Office has not placed refugees in Thurrock Council properties in Claudian Way, Chadwell St Mary, as has been suggested.

"An agency acting on behalf of the Home Office have, however, placed a small number of refugees in privately rented properties in Chadwell St Mary.

"Thurrock Council was not given any notification of this arrangement and only became aware when the refugees visited the local library to see what help is available.

"The council has advised them and put them in touch with the British Red Cross who will be able to provide further support and assistance.

"The council will be writing to the agents of the Home Office to raise our concerns about this situation, ask why we were not notified and what provision they are making for the refugees' welfare.

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"I repeat again that the refugees have definitely not been housed in Thurrock Council accommodation."