THURROCK Council continues to come under fire from residents in Richmond Road following the demolition of the former adult college buildings.

The controversial closure of the college and subsequent demolition and removal of parking spaces in the area has brought considerable concern to resident, summed up by one saying: "Thurrock Council is making our lives a living hell and devaluing our homes.'

Carol Evans is one of a number of residents actively campaigning for the council to introducing a parking permit scheme in the area to try and reduce congestion but she has also highlight the danger to the public by a badly maintained site which includes dangerous temporary fencing.

She says: "Can I claim a rates rebate for having my life turned upside down as there is nowhere to park?

And she says things will get worse, adding: "If they put the new, unnecessary, gate in place for the Alf Lowne centre, will they be repaving the big gate area and removing the yellow lines, also shortening the yellow lines at the alleyway point to Bridge Road as the smaller gate to the old site is no longer required?

"l hold my breath on that as I can't see these idiotic planners doing anything. Stop ignoring us and help us. Why don't planning or highways officers came to one of the resident meetings and actually visit the site. We have no room to swing a cat let alone park."

Ms Evans also says the fencing in the area around the demolished site is dangerous, taking pictures of it tilting over pavements and blocking pedestrian access.

She says: "After demolition of the college contractors have left a temporary fence of 6ft x 6ft wire fences held down by concrete blocks. Someone, most probably yobs, have now tried to flatten one panel onto the pavement. it is dangling over the edge ready to cause damage to a passer-by or parked car on the road. The whole fence is a disaster waiting to happen."

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She has received a response from the council saying: "The Council will be rectifying the vandalised fencing on Richmond Road as soon as possible, and will also be installing some permanent timber hoarding."