THURROCK Council has announced it has cancelled all its scheduled committee meeting this week as a mark of respect to murdered Southend West MP Sir David Amess.

That includes a scheduled meeting on Thursday of its hidden and extreme harms prevention committee.

Yesterday (Sunday, 17 October) borough MP Jackie Doyle-Price attended a public service in Grays to mark the 75th anniversary of Thurrock RAF Association's founding, saying it was important to carry on.

Ms Doyle-Price was a close friend and Conservative colleague of Sir David and spent part of last week with him on parliamentary business.

Today she will be among MPs paying their tributes to the popular and respected MP at the House of Commons.

A statement today from Thurrock Council says: "As a mark of respect for Sir David Amess MP following his tragic death on Friday 15 October, Group Leaders at Thurrock Council have together agreed to postpone all public committee meetings and other meetings involving external groups and partners due to take place this week (Monday 18 to Friday 22 October 2021).

"This approach is supported by all group Leaders and the Mayor of Thurrock as we stand united as a public service family at this incredibly difficult time. Thurrock Council has offered its assistance and condolences to colleagues at Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.

"Our thoughts are with Sir David's family, friends and colleagues."

The council also cancelled the public launch of a new safety initiative which was due to take place in Grays High Street this morning.

Thurrock Shop Safe radio system which is part of the Safer Streets initiative which has received £625,000 funding from the government and Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.

The system helps create a radio linked anti-crime community among shopkeepers who are each issued with special radio handsets.

However, other council business will carry on. Tomorrow front line officers from a range of departments including health, housing and social services will be taking part in a new initiative to meet with residents and make council services more accessible.

Southend Council has also cancelled most of its scheduled meetings, though its scheduled full meeting will go ahead and be used to pay tribute to Sir David.

On Monday Leader of Thurrock Council, Cllr Rob Gledhill and Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr Sue Shinnick, visited Leigh on Sea where Sir David was murdered to pay their respects and lay a floral tribute.

Also pictured is Cllr John Lamb, Leader of Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.