THURROCK planning councillors have this evening (Thursday, 28 October) approved plans for a new secondary school in Grays.

The contentious plan has been five years in the making since approval was given by the government for new schools in the borough, but it has been criticised by local residents who fear it was cause significant traffic problems in an area that already has five schools.

And those fears were roundly investigated by councillors at the meetings who ended up passing the plans for Orsett Heath Academy despite having reservations.

The new school to be built on open land currently used by Thurrock Rugby Club for its junior sides will be run by South West Essex Community Education Trust (SWECET) and will accommodate 1,200 students in years to come.

A full report on tonight's meeting, including detailed presentations by objectors and the CEO of SWECET will follow.