CLEAN-up operations continue in the borough following several days of storms and high winds affecting Thurrock and leading local councillors have praised the efforts of teams of workers that have been clearing up fallen trees and lamppost columns as well as making repairs to roads and road signs.

Council leader Cllr Rob Gledhill, said: "The high winds damaged a number of trees, lampposts and road signs as well as some of our buildings.

"Our officers have done an excellent job of clearing up and keeping the borough moving. We are still getting reports of damage and I would ask that residents use our online reporting tools to make us aware of any issues they see around the borough."

Cllr Andrew Jefferies, portfolio holder for environment, said: "Our teams have done a fantastic job clearing trees and making sure roads are safe and passable. They have worked extremely hard and are still hard at work clearing up from Friday, the weekend and from issues caused by the wind yesterday (Monday, 21 February)."

Cabinet member for highways Cllr Ben Maney, , said: "Using the online reporting tools is the most effective way to let us know about damage caused by the storms. By providing a detailed report we can make sure that the right teams are sent to the right place to take the right action."

Not everyone was so impressed with the council's response though and one resident of flats in Chadwell St Mary is angry after the authority declined to come out and tackle an incident at the height of Friday's storms when the roof blew off garages, leaving her possessions exposed to the elements, including heavy rain.

Nub News reported the incident which included criticism of the council by ward councillor Sara Muldowney and left resident Sharon Winship distraught. She told Nub News today (Tuesday, 22 February): "Our possession have been ruined because the coucil wouldn't come out, not even to put a tapauline over. We have since been offered a new garage but most of our things have been damaged. We have not even had an apology."

To report highways issues, including damaged lampposts and road signs, use the council's online highways reporting tool at: highwayreport.thurrock.gov.uk.

To report other issues, including damaged trees or park equipment, use the council Report It webpage: thurrock.gov.uk/report.