A WARD councillor has backed his residents who have created a small community garden – and confirmed that what they are doing has approval of Thurrock Council.

Residents in Arun in east Tilbury have taken a small roadside patch of grass under their wing and have worked for several months to improve it, putting in plants and decorative stones.

However, some mean-spirited residents questioned their efforts and complained that it was a waste of taxpayers' money – when in fact it has all been paid for by the people who carried out the work.

One of them is Lisa-Marie Mitchell who said: "Can you believe that's someone has complained about our little community garden, stating that it is a waste of taxpayers' money and that what has been done is illegal.

"I would like to let everyone know that this was authorised by Thurrock Council and sponsored by No9 Arun."

Ward councillor Fraser Massey is full of praise for Lisa-Marie and those who have helped, saying: "This is a great example of community improvement. Arun now looks a lot better. I hope this can be replicated across the area. Thank you so much for the hard work, it looks great."