FOLLOWING what appears to be another piece of botched planning and impromptu action without due thought to the consequences, Thurrock Council has now removed barriers it put on a bridleway and footpath in Chadwell St Mary in the light of complaints from residents.

In an undoubtedly well-intentioned plan to cut down on the ease with which illegal bikers could access Orsett Heath and other open spaces, the council installed barriers aimed at stopping bikes being able to get through access points.

Over the weekend Thurrock Nub News reported on the death of a young pet dog killed by an unlicensed bike rider.

However, the barrier also stopped people with prams and wheelchairs using the path as well and larger pedestrians found them uncomfortable to use too. They also stopped access on a bridleway for horse riders who are permitted by law to use them!

Last week Thurrock Nub News contacted to council about the barriers and why they had been put in place. Two days later they were removed!

Today (Monday, 24 August) the leader of Thurrock Council, Cllr Rob Gledhill, told us: "Due to the irresponsible action of a number of people using council land at the Heath for illegal motorbike use, putting residents' safety at risk and lives in danger, barriers were installed to prevent further access and potential accidents.

"It's clear that this has had an impact on residents legitimately using the site and we will look to review the type of restriction we are using to prevent the misuse of our land whilst enabling as many residents as possible to enjoy our open spaces.

"Any resident who sees anyone using motorcycles off the road or clearly being ridden in an illegal manner should contact 111 or report it online to Essex Police."

No cost has yet been given to the cost of installing and then removing the barriers. The council have been criticised for wasting money on an ill-thought out scheme, but they have some support from one commentator who said: "Moaned about the motorbikes and quads so the council do something to try and stop it, so they then moan about that. Can't do right from wrong and people ain't never happy."