A FILM crew making a movie will be out and about in Grays tomorrow (Friday, 22 January) despite concerns being raised about possible breaches of Covid-19 guidelines.

Officers at Thurrock Council were quizzed this afternoon after residents and councillors became aware of the pending arrival of the film crew, who will be based at Blackshots.

Among those expressing concern was a local councillor who asked if the council wasn't giving the thumbs up to something that wasn't 'essential'.

However, the council says it has no jurisdiction in the matter but does believe all appropriate guidelines will be followed.

A statement from the council to Thurrock Nub News this evening after we asked if it was aware of local concerns says: "The film crew will be using some of Impulse Leisure's facilities to park their vehicles and for their crew. This has been agreed with Impulse Leisure as the leaseholders of the site, not by the council.

"The filming is taking place on private land. Thurrock Council is not receiving any money from the filming or use of Impulse Leisure's facilities nor has it endorsed it.

"Filming is allowed to continue during the current national lockdown according to government rules as long as COVID-19 measures and risk assessments are followed for producing filmed content safely during the pandemic, so we cannot prevent it.

"The council has directly contacted the production company, challenging them on what and how they will be filming. They have confirmed that they are complying with the British Film Institute standards (who they are governed by) on COVID secure requirements. A copy of this guidance can be found here.