LEADERS of Thurrock's political parties have expressed their concern in the wake of today's (Friday, 26 June) announcement that intu Properties, the owner of Lakeside shopping centre, has gone into administration.

Though the company has been keen to stress that the centre will continue to trade, the concerns of the staff who work there are mirrored in comments by local councilors.

Cllr John Kent, leader of Thurrock's Labour Group, said: "Lakeside has been a shopping destination for hundreds of thousands of people, not only Thurrock folk, but from far and since it opened in 1990.

"My thoughts are with the people working at Lakeside and their families plunged into uncertainty who risk losing their jobs in an increasingly weakened pandemic economy.

"These jobs are vitally important to the well-being of Thurrock's economy.

"It's at times like this local authorities can come into their own. I hope Thurrock Council will be proactive, reach out to offer help and support to those Thurrock families affected".

Thurrock Council leader, Conservative Cllr Rob Gledhill, said: "We are saddened to hear that intu, the company which owns and operates Lakeside Shopping Centre, has been forced to call in administrators today.

"We are, however, pleased that the centre does remain open and shops based in Lakeside will continue trading, protecting many hundreds of jobs in the local economy.

"Thurrock Council is in regular contact with intu and understands that Lakeside remains busy. We hope the approval of planning permission yesterday (25 June) for the expansion of the shopping centre will boost the prospects of this site to ensure it stays open for many years to come."