MORE than a month after Thurrock Nub News highlighted concerns of Grays residents about safety issues in a play area in the town the authority has now acted to reduce risk to children playing in it.

In August we reported on the fears of people in the Hathaway road area that their park was being ignored by the council and a children's play area, in particular, was becoming a health risk.

Nub News' story on 7 August reflected those concerns and highlighted the danger to children.

We asked the council why the play area appeared to have been ignored while others in the borough received upgrades and we reiterated the concerns or residents. A video we produced highlighted the dangers.

However, the council declined to respond, nor did it respond to subsequent similar questions raised by ward councillors.

But this week a team of workers arrived at the play area and carried out remedial works.

The council has still not responded to our questions, nor those of its councillors, but instead took to social media platform Twitter to say: "The play area in Hathaway Road Park, Grays, has got a refresh thanks to resurfacing with new wooden surrounds, anti-weed membrane and play bark to ensure a safe surface for children.

"The improved play area is now open and ready to help youngsters play outside and stay active."