THURROCK Council is selling off a couple of sites it holds in Grays to raise cash.

It has instructed Clive Emson Land and Property Auctioneers to sell off sites on Argent Street and Clarence Road and hopes to raise more than £600,000.

Going to auction on Wednesday, 16 June is land at 64-82 Argent Street.

Emson's regional director and auctioneer Paul Bridgeman said: "This rectangular parcel of freehold land fronts on to Argent Street to the south of Grays town centre.

"It is sandwiched between residential housing at Conway Gardens and Meridien Court on the corner of Argent Street and Thames Road.

"It is well placed for access to local shopping, civil amenities, transportation links and recreational facilities.

"This land, extending to 0.13 hectares (0.32 acres) and a stone's throw from the river, may offer potential for development, subject to all necessary consents being obtainable.

"I am anticipating strong interest from developers seeking to transform this site."

The sale of land at Argent Street appears to contradict the council's recent bids to obtain planning permission for new social housing on land it own across the borough.

A selection of sites was proposed for new council homes and while some met with significant controversy, other schemes have gone ahead - for example the Prince of Wales pub in South Ockendon is currently being demolished in preparation for the building of new homes.

There have also been commitments made by senior councillors in the ruling Conservative group that the authority has ambitions to build more of its own social and affordable housing.

Also being offered under instructions from Thurrock Council is a mid-terrace building arranged over two floors and comprising a lock-up shop unit on the ground floor and an office above at 35 & 35A Clarence Road, Grays.

The property has a freehold guide price of £200,000 plus with vacant possession.

Mr Bridgeman added: "Located on the corner of Clarence Road and Derby Road, to the east of Grays High Street and town centre, the property is well placed for local shopping, recreational facilities and access to Grays railway station connecting to London (Fenchurch Street).

"The property may offer alternative for change of use or conversion, subject to all necessary consents being obtainable."

The the site on Clarence Road is being marketed as a possible conversion opportunity, the council's planning committee has recently turned down bids to make similar changes to office and shop premises on Clarence Road.

Bids to obtain planning permission at 21-23 Clarence Road and the cycle shop at 134-136 Clarence Road were thrown out because the area was already over developed residentially.