A LEADING Thurrock councillor has described comments by concerned community leaders probing missing cash earmarked for local projects as 'grossly inaccurate and misleading'.

Cllr Aaron Watkins was responding to a Thurrock Nub News report over cash allocated for sports and play projects in Chadwell St Mary.

Our report reflected the anger and disappointment of key figures in the Chadwell community after they said they had been told more than more than £20,000 had been diverted from Chadwell into a pot to cover the authority's financial black hole.

The money originates from a 2014 application to knock down the former Greyhound pub at Orsett Heath and replace it with four new houses.

The project was granted permission and carried out with the developers obligated to pay a community grant of £20,000.

Ward councillor Sara Muldowney and the chairman of the Chadwell Community forum Peter Saunders have documentation showing the cash was to be allocated community play and sports projects on the Heath.

However, it was never handed over and when the duo chased it up they say they were told it was being used elsewhere.

But following a ruckus about it, the council has now come back and said the money will be heading Chadwell's way after all.

A statement to Nub News says: "The money from the Section 106 agreement will still be used in Orsett Heath but it has been held to allow for the development of a Thurrockwide Active Place strategy.

"The money will now be used to deliver specific improvements in Orsett Heath which are in line with that overarching strategy including improvements to the Orsett Heath sports pitches and access to the onsite changing rooms as well as the provision of indoor sports activities.

"The Section 106 agreement for the Greyhound Pub development makes it clear that the money will be used for infrastructure, including - but not limited to - school improvements, community facilities, play equipment, libraries, playing pitches and health facilities."

Despite the fact six years have passed since the application was agreed, Cabinet member for Environment and Sports and Leisure Cllr Watkins says it is just a matter of timing.

He is angry with Cllr Muldowney and Mr Saunders, saying: "It is grossly inaccurate and misleading for anyone to suggest this money is being used to 'plug a black hole' in council finances.

"Yes we were waiting for the approval of the borough wide Active Place Strategy, and as approved unanimously by Cabinet on 13 January, meaning we now have a concrete plan in place across the borough and we are not spending money ad hoc.

"Residents of Chadwell will also remember that over £500,000 was spent improving the football pitches on Orsett Heath, largely funded by the new development in Little Thurrock, Blackshots.

"I can be very clear here that this money will be used to create further improved facilities in Orsett Heath and Thurrock Council is working with national governing bodies, local sports groups and residents to ensure money is allocated fairly and appropriately."