RESIDENTS in the east of the borough have been reflecting on the performance of the four candidates for the coming general election.

All four took part in a hustings at St Margaret's Church, Stanford-le-Hope, organised by the local Transformation Thurrock group of church bodies when all four candidates for the South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency answered questions from local people. A total of 14 questions were asked, and on one question all agreed. Say 'no' to the current proposal for Lower Thames Crossing.

The other questions ranged from environmental crises, electoral reform, NHS and social care, economics of national debt, to advice to those considering entering politics, A127 congestion charge and should Thurrock have its own hospital. Plus, of course, Brexit

Andy Blakey of Transformation Thurrock said: "As you can imaging the discussion was at times heated, but well managed by Rev Guest, who was chairing the panel. Half the time was for pre-submitted questions and half for questions from the floor."

Thursday, 28 November will see the hustings for Thurrock constituency at St Peter and St Paul in Grays starting at 7pm.