THURROCK Council has been reinstating goalposts on local playing fields, alleviating concern from residents.

Earlier this year posts were removed from public open spaces in Chadwell St Mary, Tilbury, Grays, Little Thurrock and others.

Their removal was unannounced with no prior notice to resdients or local councillors, prompting residents to ask if it was part of a cost cutting exercise.

However, the council responded by saying the posts had been removed for safety reasons and would be replaced.

Vincent Taylor, the council's strategic lead for clean and green services, said: "The goalposts were removed for safety reasons as they had become rotten at their base and were in danger of falling."

Residents were sceptical and took to social media to question the council's motives, suggesting the posts were not a danger.

However, this week council lived up to its promise and teams have been replacing the posts/