COMPANIES and drivers who have flouted rules on accessing a borough industrial site are set to be in hot water with Thurrock Council after they impose a 'get tough' policy.

Residents on Wharf Road and adjoining roads in Stanford-le-Hope have had a long-running battle with companies operating outside permitted hours as they go to and from the Stanhope Industrial estate.

Over a number of years there has been growing frustration with Thurrock Council's failure to act to hold offenders to account by ward councillor Shane Hebb says that is now changing.

He has given an update on 'out of hours' movements that have been highlighted by residents, saying: "A number of non-compliances to planning conditions have now been verified by CCTV by planning as breaches.

"Some companies will be issued breach of condition notices as they are "new" offenders.

"Some who were caught and had been issued breach of conditions previously will now face advanced proceedings.

"I know it feels like operators changing their behaviour takes forever, and understand the frustrations. Fingers crossed that now a wider group have been identified as breaching planning conditions; and that more will get served notices, the behaviour will soon change and be more long-lasting."