RESIDENTS on the Seabrook Rise are coming to terms with the prospect of facing the winter with their homes surrounded by scaffolding.

It follows recognition by Thurrock Council and its repairs contractors Mears that the estate is in a worse condition than previously imagined, with buildings subject to the possibility of breaking up.

Concerns about the state of the social housing are not new, but problems mounted earlier this year when there were reports of parts of buildings breaking up and 'coming away'.

That prompted an estate wide survey by the council and the initial installation of some scaffolding.

That has now been expanded across the whole estate.

Residents have been told by Mears and the council: "Since we wrote to you in July to advise you of the immediate measures we put into place to manage reports of material coming away from the buildings, we have made good progress with establishing a clear route to addressing the issues raised.

"We have:

• Installed safety platforms to areas of the estate that could be at risk of falling debris
• Installed scaffold access to approximately 90 per cent of the estate, which will be completely erected by Friday, 30 October.
• Installed safety fan platforms to approximately 95% of the estate to enhance protection provided to the public from any risk of falling debris.
• Carried out an estate wide concrete condition report.
• Carried out a drone survey to determine the condition of the roofs and other external elements at each block.
• The council says it has 'procured' a third party consultant to 'review surveys undertaken' and provide it with 'the most cost-effective approach to raising the issues raised."

Because of recent issues related to scaffolding on council properties in the immediate area, the council says it recognises residents' concerns.

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It says: "We understand having scaffolding up may cause security concerns. Please be assured that scaffolding is checked daily by the site management team to ensure that all access points are closed and locked at the end of each day.

"Should you witness the scaffold being accessed without authorisation, contact the emergency services on 999 immediately."