COUNCILLORS in Grays have called on Thurrock Council to think again over plans to sell off land in their ward and instead build social housing on it.

Grays Riverside ward councillors Martin Kerin, Jane Pothecary and Tony Fish have responded to the news the council is putting a site up for sale on Argent Street.

They believe that the site, which is sandwiched between residential housing at Conway Gardens and Meridien Court, on the corner of Argent Street and Thames Road, should be turned into council homes.

In a joint statement, they said: "There is a chronic need for decent council housing in Grays. This piece of land which is being put up for sale should be turned over for council housing - rather than overpriced private flats that few people from Grays can afford.

"This is an old, derelict industrial site which is currently an eyesore. It is not woodland or a treasured piece of open space. It is only right that this becomes the site of a decent council housing development for local people.

"The previous Labour administration successfully completed the nearby Echoes development and started the recently completed Alma Court development. We believe that a well designed council development on this site would enhance the area and be a welcome addition to Thurrock Council's housing stock."