WORK has continued this week on the creation of a new mobile home site on land that has been illegally developed between Tilbury and Chadwell St Mary.

Excavations began on the site adjacent to Sandy Lane off Biggin Lane last Thursday (7 January) and when Thurrock Council planning enforcement staff arrived at the scene the following day they were warned off by 'hostile forces'.

Officers returned with more paperwork which was served the following day and they say they plan a return backed up by police, but that doesn't appear to have made any difference to plans for the site, not slowed down progress.

Local residents have been shocked by what has happened and called on the council and authorities to do more - and urgently - but their hopes appear to be falling on deaf ears and now a second caravan has arrived at the site with little notice being taken of the 'temporary stop notices' served by the council.

Once the site is occupied and people are in residence, it is likely to be more difficult for the council to get the site cleared – which has prompted local condemnation of the local authority.

Local council John Allen summed up the feelings of residents when he told Thurrock Nub News: " "I am baffled why the authorities are not taking any action."

Thurrock Council leader Rob Gledhill had said the council would be enforcing the rules, saying: ""We take all reports of unauthorised activity very seriously and will work to ensure that Thurrock is protected through the enforcement of planning conditions where officers feel it is appropriate."