THURROCK Council's 'cleaning and greening' environmental team is set to get a major shake-up.

Dozens of workers were asked to attend a meeting at the council's civic offices yesterday (Monday, 2 February) when outlines were given of major changes to how they will be asked to operate going forwards.

The scheme proposes a new way of managing council properties which are currently looked after by teams of caretakers - but that service has been heavily criticised as not being efficient, with some properties being poorly managed and left in a state of disrepair to the detriment of tenants.

Workers ascend the town hall stairs to find out what the council has in store for them.

The council has not made outline details of the changes available to the public as a consultation period now takes place between staff, union officials and the council.

There has been a mixed reaction to the news, which will involve changes to some people's pay grades and a change in responsibilities. It is believed more managers will be appointed to supervise the workforce once the new system is in place., Nub News has seen some correspondence involving union officials suggesting the possibility of opposition to parts of the scheme and a vague threat of industrial action has been mooted.

However, there has also been a welcome in some quarters with views expressed that the environmental services teams concerned needs some new leadership and fresh ideas.

The only statement issued by Thurrock Council after it was quizzed by Nub News was to 'confirm there are no council staff on strike, all our teams remain operational'.

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