A THURROCK councillor has highlighted his praise for and gratitude to the local council's service that looks after the homeless after seeing first hand how quickly they can work.

Cllr Shane Ralph, who represents Stanford East and Corringham Town, has told how he was made aware of someone sleeping outside in the ward and was 'amazed' to see how quickly the council reacted after the alert was raised.

He takes up the story: "Last Wednesday, during full council, I was contacted by a resident alerting me that someone had been spotted sleeping rough in my ward.

"I immediately provided the resident with the council's emergency out of hours contact details.

"After the meeting I was amazed to learn that the rough sleeper team had contacted and provided emergency accommodation within three hours of the report.

"It's important that we celebrate the great things that are happening in Thurrock.

"Our first first-class rough sleeper services definitely deserve singling out for praise. Well done to all the officers and voluntary services involved in supporting people facing a housing crisis in Thurrock.

"Cllr Luke Spillman, Thurrock's cabinet member for housing, has repeatedly stated that there is no longer any necessity for any Thurrock resident to sleep on the streets of the borough. It's great to see it's not just nice soundbite and is something that's actually happening."