A CONSTRUCTION company has been criticised for 'breaking a pledge to be considerate to residents'.

As Thurrock Nub News reported recently (see story via the red button below) the construction of a new distribution centre between Aveley and Purfleet has been a blight on local residents' lives.

Constant noise from five piling machines has caused stress to residents and in a bid to placate them, the firm building the Segro Distribution Centre on Purfleet Road, Winvic, committed to reducing hours of work and said they would not be working at weekends.

A deal was struck with Thurrock Council following intervention by ward councillor Cllr Colin Churchman.

However, this evening (Friday, 14 February) residents arrived home to find a letter from the firm saying they will be working tomorrow.

The letter says: "Due to adverse weather conditions experienced recently, our site will be open tomorrow (15th February 2020) until 1pm, to continue with the piling operation we were unable to carry out in the week day working hours last week, necessary to keep us inline with our programmed works.

"Weekend working will not be regular, and we aim to keep any disruption to yourselves to a minimum, but Winvic would like to express our sincere apologies for any inconvenience the this Saturdays working may occur."

Local resident and community campaigner Teresa Webster says: "This letter advising Saturday working is just a guise to work at the weekend.

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"Residents are fed up with the constant noise and the action that Winvic took by posting letters today shows what an inconsiderate construction site this is.

"Do Winvic not look at the weather report?Storm Ciara was widely publicised and piling works have been carried out all week outside of the hours advised by Thurrock Council.

"Most of us are also aware that Storm Dennis is due to hit us this weekend so will there be another letter dropping through doors next week advising the same?

"Winvic need to have some respect for local residents."