THURROCK Council's housing portfolio holder has criticised political rivals for 'scaremongering' and taking proposed cost-saving measures involving sheltered housing complexes out of perspective.

Labour councillors on the borough council launched a protest after the authority announced plans were being considered to remove security gates outside a number of sheltered housing complexes.

It is understood that the change will impact Benyons Court and Helford in South Ockendon, Alexandra Hall in Tilbury, Rookery Court in West Thurrock, and the Sycamores and New Maltings in Aveley.

Labour councillors say they were briefed by the council on plans to remove the electronic gates after it was found repairs or replacements would be too costly.

But the councillors say removing the gates will put some of the borough's most vulnerable residents at risk.

Cllr Victoria Holloway, whose residents are affected by the proposals at Rookery Court, West Thurrock, said: "I'm truly appalled that the Tories would even think about removing security from our older people, let alone taking proposals forward. Crime and anti-social behaviour is still a real issue in Thurrock.

"It causes residents a great deal of anxiety and these gates prevent some of these worries. This is absolutely unacceptable and I've said clearly that gates should be repaired and maintained."

However, housing portfolio holder Cllr Barry Johnson says the scheme would not go ahead without consultation with councillors and that Labour fears are not in context and amount to trying to make political capital from a sensible move.

He told Thurrock Nub News: "This is yet more scaremongering being whipped up by the Labour group over something that this administration is taking very seriously and is being very open about.

"Let's get things into perspective. We are talking about the gates across car park areas not individual doors to sheltered housing. The security of all our residents is paramount but the question remains as to exactly what security a very costly, unreliable electronic car park gate actually provides?

"This is what we are asking the Housing Overview and scrutiny committee to discuss. And I am more than happy to discuss further once ward councillors have had their say."

Labour councillor Lynn Worrall, of the Grays Thurrock ward, said: "The mere suggestion this should happen is out of order. We are responsible for protecting older people not removing their security.

"We have raised concerns about the management of the council finances and the fact this is happening due to a lack of money is extremely worrying.

"Security of our older residents should be an absolute priority and I am calling on the Tories running Thurrock Council to scrap these plans before they go any further."

An approach officially to the council asking what the cost of repairing the existing gates would be brought no response other than a spokesperson saying: "Thurrock Council has conducted a survey of all electronic powered gates across the council housing sites in the borough following a change in the compliance regime.

"Engagement with local ward councillors has started and will be followed by consultation with residents on a site-by-site basis on proposals to remove/repair or replace gates as appropriate."