THURROCK Council stands accused of being a 'complete joke', that is negligent in its duty of care to residents and is 'barely capable of running a bath'.

The accusation comes from Thurrock Nub News editor Neil Speight, who is also an independent ward councillor in Stanford West.

"It's time the truth was spoken," says Mr Speight. "Two years ago, I made the decision to stand as an independent ward councillor because I believed I might be able to influence from the inside what I was witnessing from the outside as a resident and a journalist.

"To be fair, I stood with some trepidation. It's difficult to be a journalist and to be a councillor – which is why so few people do it. But I decided I was better in – than out. And by a significant majority local residents voted me in.

"And, to be fair for a second time, I think I've done some decent things as a ward councillor and quite a few residents are appreciative of the efforts I have made. Unfortunately, some case work didn't get a positive outcome, but that's how things go.

"But I have faced internal suspicion, accusations and even had complaints (which were not upheld) about what I have done behind the scenes. Even the chief legal officer was critical of me, but then had to apologise when I said 'show me any evidence that I have acted inappropriately'. The same accusation was made by the CEO of the council – but again, despite repeated requests, he has produced no evidence. They just don't like someone who stands up to them.

"And today I am so angry, in fact incandescent, that I may actually give them some rope to try and hang me by speaking up with three hats. As editor of Thurrock Nub News, as a ward councillor and as a resident.

"In other cases, involving my acts as councillor I have asked other journalists to write them to avoid accusations I am using my media role inappropriately.

"Today I don't care. I stand by myself writing this.

"In June Thurrock Nub News reported on the council's proposed closure of footpath 36, which links the new Stanford Meadows estate and routes from Stanford Road to Stanford town centre. Over the years natural rot and, more recently, vandalism have made it very dangerous to pass. Once dusk has fallen, it has to be negotiated in pitch darkness.

Taken today. The new path from the Meadows, with lighting. The improvement ends at the rail bridge. There is no signage saying the footbapth is closed

"It will be a route familiar to may people in Stanford, as it allows passage under the railway and across the Hope brook. Over the years it has degenerated into a very dangerous state.

"There were opportunities to improve it during the building by Persimmon of the Stanford Meadows site, and then further opportunities when planning permission was given for the new Hope Green site on the other side of the railway and brook.

"Both developers committed to improving the access. Persimmon created a paved path right to intersect with Footpath 36 but did no more. On the other side some work has been started to create a new safer pathway to the exit passage which leads to Victoria Road.

"But the council have been dilatory in holding the developers up to their responsibility.

"Fellow ward councillor Ross Byrne and I drew the council's attention to the matter and had a site meeting with the leading officer responsible. We asked for improvements to the footpath, safety work and even some signage.

"He agreed the route was unsatisfactory and unsafe. Which led to June's path closure order (with a commitment to getting the work carried out).

The crossing over the Hope brook.

"That was supposed to last for a month. At the beginning of this month the closure order was extended to January. The council stated the footpath was 'closed'.

"In the wake of that I walked visited the route last Friday and made a film. The route was open and there was no signage. I informed the council of all that and again expressed my concern over the danger to residents. Watch the video I made, and you will see exactly how bad this route – which is regarded as a main public access to the town centre - is.

"Last Friday, writing to the council as editor of Nub News, I expressed my 'urgent concern' about this situation.

"Today I got a statement from the council.

"It reads: 'The footpath is closed, and public notices have been posted along the path to let pedestrians know. The council is working with the developer to create a permanent alternative route which is expected to be opening shortly, until then we need to close the existing footpath due to safety concerns being raised.'

The entry to the brook crossing on footpath from Victoria Road, with the sign put back into a facing position.

"That statement is simply a lie. I cannot use another word to describe the council's response. I visited and walked the path again today. There is one small yellow notice cable tied to a footbath sign. It is loose and was not facing Victoria Road, though I twisted it back into position.

"There are other access points to the path used by residents on the eastern side of the brook. No signage is there. There is no signage at all on the other side.

"The council suggests the pathway is closed. It is not physically closed, something that could easily be achieved with portable mesh fencing, which the council must have copious amounts of.

"There is even fencing strewn around on the Hope Green side of the railway which could be used.

"This is a complete abdication of responsibility – and common sense. The council has declared this pathway dangerous – it is responsible for its maintenance. So, if someone were to trip or get cut, the council would be liable for a claim for compensation.

"So, as well as being irresponsible about residents' safety, the council has abandoned its presumptive duty to look after the council's financial interests. Sadly, that will not come as a surprise to Thurrock residents who suffer the daily the consequence of its fiscal ineptitude.

"It's easy to become numb to the scale and frequency of the council's incompetence. Especially as conning the public is now what appears to be an accepted practice. The CEO lied in front of a committee meeting, so is it no surprise that the practice has become commonplace?

"This council has become a complete joke. But it's not funny. I think they would struggle to run a bath.

"I look forward to its demise in 2026 or 2027, whatever comes next can't be any worse.

"Until that l that happens, I will stand my ground as a councillor to try and help, assist and serve residents; that is what I was elected to do.

"As a newspaper editor and journalist of 46 years standing, during which I have exposed corruption, incompetence and malpractice, I will continue to fulfil that role.

"This may seem like a rant about something that's not that important – and I have no doubt that's what some social media commentators will say, and chuck in that it's me promoting my self-importance. For my part I will self-refer this article to the appropriate monitoring team and they will decide if I am breaking their rules.

"To the critics who have a go at me, I always say everyone is entitled to an opinion. And to express their views under freedom of speech. I'm sure they will post comments on the Facebook page. But are we not entitled to a council that does its job properly and protects and cares for residents?"