THURROCK Council's consultation over the future the museum and library, currently located in the Thameside complex on Orsett Road and its wider search for views on the future of culture provision – including what happens to the Thameside Theatre – have met with scepticism and criticism from borough residents.

The council, which has long held the view that the Thameside complex should be closed because it is too expensive to run, is considering moving Grays Central Library and Thurrock Museum to available space in the civic offices on New Road.

Proposals can be viewed via this link.

A council statement says: "We believe that Grays Central Library and Thurrock Museum are valuable resources for our residents and community. The outline proposal does not include a reduction in services which will remain accessible to all."

The consultation is online and can be accessed via this link, and there are face-to-face events planned for Saturday, 27 January from 9am to 12.30pm at the Thameside complex and on Tuesday, 6 February from 11am to 2pm at the council offices.

Yesterday (Friday, 19 January) also saw the start of the face-to-face consultations on the delivery of cultural events and activities in Grays and the wider borough. The complex played host to the event and a list of events to follow is at the end of this story.

You can also take part in the consultation online via this link, though you will have to register.

Councils wants to move the central library and museum.

However, social media pages have been full of comments criticising the council over plans to close the Thameside and condemning the move of the library and museum to the civic offices.

One of the most prominent critics is Tina Holland of the Grays Orchards Community Forum, who says: "Leave it where it is. It's a waste of money moving. It's better situated at the Thameside."

Other comments reflected scepticism of the council, exemplified by Steve Thomas who said: "Sadly this consultation is just a tick box exercise for the council. They have made their decision and do not care what local residents want, their focus is to make efficiencies and cut services."

And another critic, Ian Cole, says the council already know what local people think, adding: "When are you going to listen to the hard working people who pay your wages?

The consultation events on the cultural offering.

Sun 21 Jan    11:30am to 2:30pm     Belhus Library, Derry Avenue, South Ockendon, RM15 5DX

Wed 24 Jan    2:30pm to 6:30pm       East Tilbury Library, Princess Avenue, RM18 8ST

Sat 27 Jan      10:30am to 2pm          Tilbury Library, Civic Square, Tilbury, RM18 8AD

Sun 28 Jan    10:30am to 2pm          Chadwell St Mary Library, Brentwood Road, Chadwell St Mary RM16 4JP

Tue 30 Jan     2:30pm to 6:30pm       Mulberry Drive Complex, Mulberry Drive, Purfleet-on-Thames, RM19 1PY

Wed 31 Jan    2:30pm to 6:30pm       Lime Close Hall, Lime Close South Ockendon, RM15 6NW

Thu 1 Feb      2pm to 6pm    Bulphan Village Hall, Church Road, Bulphan, RM14 3RU

Sun 4 Feb      11:30am to 2:30pm     Corringham Library St Johns way, Corringham, SS17 7LJ

Mon 5 Feb      2:30pm to 6:30pm       Aveley Community Hub, High Street, Aveley, South Ockendon, RM15 4BX

Wed 7 Feb     1pm to 5pm    Wellcome Church, High Road, Orsett, Grays, RM16 3ER

Thu 8 Feb      2:30pm to 6:30pm       Stanford-le-Hope Library, High Street, Stanford-le-Hope, SS17 0HG

Sat 10 Feb     10:30am to 1:30pm     The Civic Hall, Blackshots Lane, Grays, RM16 2JU

Mon 12 Feb    2pm to 6:30pm Cowdray Hall, London Road, West Thurrock, Grays, RM20 3BJ