THURROCK Council has apologised to the owners of three vehicles damaged when planks flew from scaffolding at a Grays tower block during last night's (Monday, 3 May) storm.

Thurrock Nub News reported on the damage and danger to residents at Davall House last night – and this evening the council has responded, saying an investigation has been launched and the incident has been reported to safeguarding authorities.

A spokesperson for the council said: "The health and safety of our residents is our highest priority. On hearing of this accident, the council immediately instigated a comprehensive investigation with the site contractor to ascertain how this incident occurred. In all such contracts of this nature, the council requires that contractors follow rigorous health and safety procedures at all times.

"This incident has been reported to the Health and Safety Executive, both the council and the site contractor will cooperate fully with them to establish the facts of this situation.

"Council officers were at Davall House within minutes of the incident being reported. The contractor was on site on Sunday evening to ensure that all scaffolding boards were secured and that there would be no further issues.

"The council is sorry that three vehicles were damaged in this incident and will be contacting the owners directly.

"The council and its contractors will continue to communicate with residents to assure them their safety remains paramount as works progress on site."