CAMPAIGNERS hoping for a change of plan by Thurrock Council which wants to build new homes on open public space and playing fields as it bids to rid the borough of three of its troublesome tower blocks.

The long-running saga of damp, mould and the general decay of three tower blocks in Blackshots, (Bevan House, Keir Hardie House and Morrison House) is well-documented and the council is currently part way through its project to 'decant' residents in them to other homes across the borough so the towers can be demolished.

In their place, the council plans a social housing development in their footprint, but also expanding onto adjacent land.

Part of that land is the King George Playing Field, land donated decades ago for the well-being of the local community.

Campaigners say this is not acceptable and devalues the quality of life in the area.

Now they have called on the national 'Fields In Trust' organisation, which has been administratively involved with many playing fields in Thurrock, to join in opposing the council's plans.

A spokesperson for the local campaigners says: "Blackshots Playing Field was left in Trust for perpetuity by King George V to the people in Thurrock for recreation purposes.

"Fields in Trust are the organisation entrusted with protecting our Park, and although their website clearly states that the King George V Playing fields are protected forever, there have been varying degrees of contradictory replies to our letters, requesting support against this expansion.

"Fields in Trust's final say is critical to this expansion.

"Blackshots Playing Fields are regularly used for all kinds of sport, people walking dogs, just walking and even local playgroups with little tots. The use of the park has never been more so since the pandemic, when people realised we need our green spaces for our mental and physical well-being.

The council wants to use the land to the east of Morrison House, which includes the tennis, football and basketball courts and the green space to the rear of houses in Laird and Broadview Avenues for part of the southern section of the regeneration. 

"These facilities and the additional tree planting were built after hard work by Friends of Blackshots, and we believe were financed by a donation from Veolia Environmental Services.

"We are fully aware that we have a housing shortage, but there are plenty of brownfield sites that can be used around Thurrock without having to use the protected Blackshots Playing Field.

"If this part of the project goes ahead when will the building on Blackshots stop? And what will be left of our Playing Fields for future generations."

In their letter to Angela Lewis,  the Senior Projects and Stewardship Manager of Fields in Trust, campaigners call for a meeting and say: "There is a large general feeling of opposition against the proposed development of buildings on Blackshots Playing Fields, a part of which is a signed partition, at this moment in time of 1500+ signatures.

"We understand that Fields In Trust had a site meeting with Thurrock Council last October 2023. This, to us residents, is a complete anomalous situation, given what the major effects will be to the residents of Thurrock.

"We have long contended that we the residents should have a meeting with Fields in Trust.

"We are at a loss to understand that the Council would want to build a limited number of houses on Blackshots, when there is scope for a much larger developments in close proximity.

"We would be grateful to receive your current comments on your position on this development."

The campaigning group had opened a petition on the government website, calling for it to intervene. However, it was rejected by the Conservative government because it called for action at a local level, which the petitions committee is not empowered to deal with.

The council saying it is keeping residents fully informed through its 'Blackshots updates' page.

The campaign group is calling on local people to air their views on the situation, adding: "There is a petition circulating against this expansion, but more importantly pleased add your comments to this development on trust held land by visiting Council Web Site under the heading

"Blackshots Estate Redevelopment" where you can view a full explanation of the plans. If you scroll to the bottom of the page under contact, comments and questions, you can, like many others already, object to this part of the expansion."