THURROCK Council has confirmed it has employed privately contracted enforcement officers to patrol the borough ensuring that social distancing regulations are met – and that shops, pubs and businesses adhere to the rules.

However, it says they have not issued any fines but they have been offering assistance in public areas.

The announcement comes just two months after the council distanced itself from media reports that enforcement officers were being employed by the council to do that job.

Comment has been rife on some social media platforms about the presence of officers in local high streets, and concern has been expressed about a lack of visible identification or public explanation for their presence.

The council has now confirmed to Thurrock Nub News it has once again contracted officers from the controversial Kingdom Service Group. The company has acquired a controversial reputation with several local authorities ending contracts and stopping working with the company for its aggressive pursuit of offenders.

Today (Monday, 13 July) council leader Cllr Rob Gledhill, said: "Wardens have been working in the borough for some time supporting residents and businesses with social distancing guidance. The wardens have been available to offer assistance in public areas but have not been present in an enforcement role. No fines have been issued in relation to social distancing.

"They have been particularly visible over the past few weeks supporting the re-opening of non-essential businesses on 15 June and again when more businesses, including pubs, restaurants and hairdressers, were able to re-open on 4 July.

"Here in Thurrock both businesses and residents have been extremely responsible and wardens have simply been present to offer reassurance and guidance.

"Local businesses have done an excellent job in re-opening in a way that has kept their staff and customers safe and given us all more opportunities to go out and enjoy ourselves."

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