MEMBERS of a Thurrock family have spoken of their disappointment at the care and support given to residents at a complex run by Thurrock Council - and the authority's refusal to engage with them about the problems.

At the heart of the concern is Airey Neave Court on Orchard Road, Grays, which is a 28 flat sheltered housing complex where, among the resdients, is a 94-year-old woman.

Her family contacted Thurrock Nub News to say: "On the weekend of Saturday, 26 September she and an upstairs neighbour (who is recovering from a stroke and carotid artery surgery) was left for approximately 30 hours without electricity and heating.

"This was a rather chilly weekend as well. The fault was reported by these two vulnerable ladies to the 24 hour helpline at 7.30am on the above date.

"As a result a contractor from Mears arrived mid-morning and said he was unable to do anything. The energy provider was then contacted. They finally arrived at 2pm the following day, nobody had reported the problem as urgent.

"Work took ten minutes to put right temporarily but now, nearly three weeks later, the problem still hasn't been rectified permanently.

"During this whole fiasco there was no warden on site and there are no wardens during the weekends at all. When we questioned the warden she said she is entitled to her weekends off.

"Had she been there, or any staff for that matter, the communal area could have been made available for these two ladies to sit in the warmth while this problem was rectified.

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"I dread to think what happens if someone was to fall ill or fall over during the weekend. Also bearing in mind the current climate I am shocked to say that there is nothing in place to stop the spread of Covid 19. No track and trace QR codes not even any hand sanitiser.

"I feel this is a sorry state of affairs and no way to treat our elderly. I have contacted Thurrock Council on the matter and they said they would contact me within seven days. It has been three weeks now with no response which is why I just thought I bring this matter to the public's attention."

Thurrock Nub News contacted the council over the weekend and asked for an urgent response, but - despite its own commitment to respond to press queries within 24 hours - we have heard nothing to date.