A CALL has been made for a strategic review across the borough of the performance levels and efficiency of Thurrock Council's housing caretaker service.

In recent weeks Thurrock Nub News has reported on issues in council properties in Chadwell St Mary and now councillors in Grays say the rising number of problems on their patch, particularly in Seabrook Rise, is a concern.

This is not, they stress, a criticism of individual caretakers, but the strategic management of the caretaking service.

During a recent full council meeting Grays Riverside ward councillor Tony Fish produced a litany of faults associated with the service, culminating in the lack of weekend caretakers.

Cllr Fish called for a review of the service to make sure that it is "fair and equitable".

He asked housing portfolio holder Cllr Barry Johnson: " Are residents on Seabrooke Rise Estate entitled to the same standard of caretaking as other similar areas of the borough?"

And he went on to say: 'Our residents on Seabrooke Rise are concerned about the level of service they receive.

"Landings aren't locked, green areas aren't cleaned, there is graffiti in lifts and lobbies and no caretakers at weekends.

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"Individual caretakers are trying their best, but are being let down by the strategic management of the service.

"We want a fair and equitable service. With service charges being increased, residents have a right to know that they are receiving the standard of caretaking which they deserve.

"We call on the portfolio holder to launch a thorough and resident-led review of the caretaking service."

Cllr Johnson responded first by expressing concern that ward councillors felt it more important to raise matters in the council chamber rather than deal with him directly.

He said: "If there are some real problems going on, why don't you come to me so we can sort them out?

"There is a caretaking charter that covers standards all across the borough, including cleanliness across all areas.

"I think a review has been held already but if there are problems on Seabrooke estate bring them to me and we will do something about it."

Cllr Fish responded but adding: "The review that took place was inadequate. I want it done properly."

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