DESPITE previous expressions of concern and warnings from residents, a Grays councillor says Thurrock Council is continuing to underplay the risk caused by scaffolding at six tower blocks in the town.

Residents at the six blocks in south Grays have now been suffering almost two years of inconvenience following a completely botched projected to replace classing and windows.

There have been numerous expressions of concern but events culminated in the recent death at one of the blocks.

The death, subject to a criminal investigation with possible charges of murder and aggravated burglary, has raised the level of concern and the council wrote to tenants and residents saying it was aware of the issues and had taken preventative measures.

It told residents: "We are aware that residents may have concerns about the scaffolding currently in place at each of the high rise blocks in Grays. Especially around people gaining unauthorised access to the scaffolding, following a number of recent incident.

"We can confirm all scaffolding access is secured within the fence site compound at the base of each block, this is inspected on a weekly basis and more frequently as required.

"Together with Axis (the contractors) a site visit was carried out on Tuesday, 10 October to asses any options for additional security measures.

"This is now being reviewed and we will provide a further update to all residents."

A 'drop in session for residents with further concerns is to be held tomorrow (Wednesday, 25 October) at 58 Davall House, Argent Street. 4 till 6pm.

The council adds: "We acknowledge the period of time the scaffolding has been in place is longer than originally anticipated. We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused you and would like to assure residents that we are focussed on progressing the project with due consideration to this.

"We thank you for your ongoing cooperation and patience."

However, ward councillor Martin Kerin says he believes the council has not done enough and breaches to security and access to the site can still happen relatively easily.

He says: ""Residents are finding it laughable that the scaffolding site is classified as 'secured' even when this is clearly not the case. I inspected Lionel Oxley House the very next day after the council sent out the letter - I can confirm that it was not secure!

"Thurrock Council need a new strategy to provide my residents in the tower blocks with the security they deserve."