THE lead organiser and committee of Stanford-le-Hope's annual service of remembrance have received an apology from Thurrock Council after being ignored.

Thurrock Nub News recently reported on the disappointment and upset felt by the organising secretary David Meacham and other volunteers after they ran up against a brick wall of no responses as they tried to ensure a safe and respectful event was held in the town this year, despite the problems of coronavirus.

Emails and calls to the council drew no response until publication of our story.

Mr Meacham has reported that the council have now reacted and Julie Nelder, Assistant Director – Highways, Fleet & Logistics has apologised.

Several emails that Mr Meacham had sent to the council, but had remained dormant and unopened were read and responded to within hours of our story being published. Ms Nelder has recognised that the council's performance was unacceptable.

She says: "I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to you, as your email was not responded to within the timely manner you would reasonably expect from the Council."

And she has taken personal responsibility for taking matters forward by adding "Could I ask please that requests of this nature, particularly where a change in usual process is being requested, are sent directly to me. This will enable me to ensure timely responses are sent. By all means, please continue to contact the Network Management team with any usual event process enquiries, should the need arise in future.

"Whilst I apologise that you have not, until now, received a response please be assured that this important issue is being discussed as similar enquiries have been received from others who have also managed RBL events in the past.

"A full response will be provided to you within the next two to three weeks, if not before."

Mr Meacham, who thanked Thurrock Nub News for covering the story and prompting a response, concluded: "It's great to finally receive a response from Thurrock Council, It's a shame it's taken so long. We now look forward to a positive dialogue with the council."