A CALL has gone out for volunteers interested in forming part of a new action groupo to breathe life in Coalhouse Fort at East Tilbury.

The Fort has been closed down and the public kept out since the collapse of a support group at the turn of the year.

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

However, the Coalhouse Fort Project came to a somewhat controversial end in January.

That prompted Thurrock Council to say it was considering its options for the future.

Now activists are hoping to rekindle interest in the firt and bring it back into use.

One of the former Project members, Fiona Monica, says: "There are a number of volunteers who are actively working to put a viable proposal together for presenting to Thurrock Council in regards to Coalhouse Fort.

"There are a couple of groups available on Facebook Coalhouse Fort Historical Society and Coalhouse Fort Historical Society-Chronicle.

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"These are run by the volunteers who are actively looking for volunteers to help in the fort and also with admin of the fort.

"At this time the fort is closed, one reason is Covid 19.

"The group really would like to have more inclusion with the community, they have some great plans for more opening times, new exhibitions etc.

"It is still very much the first steps and it could be that the council will not be able to accommodate the group or its plans, but there is no harm in trying.

"I know they are planning a meeting at the fort in August. Please, if anyone interested in our jewel of Thurrock then post here or go to the groups mentioned."