SOUTH Ockendon, Grays, Tilbury, Stanford-le-Hope and Corringham are to get new bespoke 'planters' in prominent positions to mark the role of women in the borough's history.

The new structures, each 2.5m tall will be known as 'Green Ladies'.

They are being designated as part of the government's 'Levelling Up Project' and will be funded from the £155,80 grant the council has received from England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.

In a statement issued today (Wednesday, 23 March) Thurrock Council says: "Five new bespoke large planters will find their place on Thurrock's high streets over the coming weeks in a bid to enhance the appearance and bring more greenery to the borough's town centres.

"Thurrock Council has worked alongside artist and founder of Circling the Square Tim Ward to design new street furniture as part of the Green Street Furniture Project, supported by the council's Welcome Back Fund programme. The programme also includes new street benches in our high streets.

"The idea behind the project is to improve the attractiveness of the towns and bring more residents and visitors back to the borough's high streets following the Covid-19 pandemic, supporting our local businesses."

Cabinet member for environment, sports and leisure Cllr Andrew Jefferies, says: "We want to bring more greenery to our town centres. These installations will enhance the street scene of five high streets across the borough throughout the spring and into the summer, attracting residents and visitors to come to our communities and shop with our small and independent businesses.

"The environmental improvements they bring will also boost mental wellbeing."

The council says the new planters will remember key moments in Thurrock's history through notable female characters.

And Cllr Deb Huelin, cabinet member for communities, adds: "I'm delighted that these five planters – known as the 'Green Ladies' – will tell the story of Thurrock's inspirational history.

"Each one, measuring 2.5m tall, will be a woman representing a different story in our long-steeped heritage and reflect an aspect of the location and community around them.

"I encourage you to find these wonderful 'Green Ladies' when you are out with friends and family visiting retailers that these planters will be based on."

A council statement says: "In a nod to South Ockendon's rural and farming heritage, the Land and Farming Green Lady will stand on Derwent Shopping Parade.

"She will be neighbours with a Fish Seller on Grays High Street and the Royal Green Lady on Calcutta Road, Tilbury – representing when Queen Elizabeth I weho famously came ashore at Tilbury in 1588.

"Nature Green Lady will stand on King Street, Stanford-le-Hope and the Maritime Green Lady will take up residence in close proximity to the marshes and the Thames on Gordon Road, Corringham."