COUNCILLORS in Tilbury have clashed in a public spat over commitment to their local communities.

The collision of opinion followed a social media post by Tilbury St Chads ward independent councillor John Allen who told how he was prepared to break social distancing guidelines if it meant best-serving the needs of his ward members.

Cllr Allen said: "If a resident asks me to visit I will visit and not use Covid-19 as an excuse not to visit my residents.

"If my residents are happy for me to visit I will not be taking away any of their freedoms or human rights for me to represent them by way of visiting."

That prompted a response from Tilbury Riverside and Thurrock Park councillor Allen Mayes - a former independent colleague of Cllr Allen's but who defected to join the Conservatives earlier this year.

He said: "So are you breaking the rules then? I only want to know because you are an elected official and have a duty of care to protect your residents above all else.

"By visiting people's homes and braking the law, you are putting not only yourself but others in danger. absolutely shocking."

Cllr Allen responded succinctly by saying: "Report me!"

The online argument then became more intense, with Cllr Allen adding: "I engage with residents every day. Yes every day, even after work. I visit Tilbury and interact and serve both wards. Lots of residents in Riverside are asking where are you as they haven't seen you since your campaign to become an independent councillor?"

Cllr Mayes came back with: "I don't understand why you have turned on me. I will continue to serve my residents as well as the whole of Tilbury to the best of my ability. I do not wish to enter into a slagging match with you as that just turns people away from politics and benefits nobody. I wish you well in continuing to serve residents and I ask you do the same to me. Without sniping at each other."

It didn't end there with more comments following - but many local residents have interjected, calling for the duo to stop bickering, calling them 'petty and pathetic' and for them to sort out their personal issues in private.