TORY councillors on Thurrock Council have released a self-congratulatory message announcing the £1.3 million resurfacing of the Manorway in Stanford-le-Hope and Corringham - more than 24 hours after independent councillor Gary Byrne revealed details of the scheme and grabbed a chunk of the credit himself.

The council's communications department – which actually confirmed news of the resurfacing in March after being quizzed by Thurrock Nub News - have delayed making an updated official statement, telling Thurrock Nub News yesterday that a release was imminent but they would not be putting anything out about it until today (Wednesday, 12 May).

However, nothing was forthcoming through 'official channels' today but this evening a group of Tory councillors calling themselves 'SS17 Conservatives' put out their own valedictory announcement.

Earlier this week Cllr Byrne had posted: "The green light has been given to the reconstruction of a new 2.5 km section of "our" Manorway

"The works are joint Thurrock Borough Council and London Gateway/DPW world, at a cost of around £1,300,000. The focus area is the Stanford interchange down to the Sorrells junction, the works will result in the introduction of a quieter road surface and goodbye to that horrible HGV bouncing trailer noise.

"There obviously will be disruption which includes night work, diversions will be applied work will be carried out in the hours of 9pm to 5am - start date 1st June.

"Massive thank you to James Halden who attended meetings with me, and to Trevor Hutchinson from London Gateway. If not for this guy this project would never have got off the ground, we worked on this for the best part of two year.

"At last residents can once again open their windows on hot summer nights, pat yourselves on the back residents - you shouted they listened!"

This evening the following message came from the Conservatives, saying: "In partnership with DP World London Gateway, the Thurrock Conservatives are delivering a £1,300,000 investment into resurfacing the Manorway. This will lead to a new 2.5km section of road surface that will reduce noise and issues with potholes."

It added: "SS17 Conservatives said: 'We are listening to our residents and this has been an issue that has come up time and time again over the last few years.

'While campaigning on issues is important, our residents judge us on delivering and this investment should see major improvements to the Manorway.

'We are proud of delivering a Freeport to Thurrock that will lead to more jobs and opportunities for our residents. At the same time, we need to make sure the local community is also benefiting as well.

"We will be working closely with Thurrock Council to minimise disruption as much as possible while these improvements are made'."

Thurrock Nub News understands the resurfacing will take 16 nights to complete but we await the full and formal updated details from the council.