A LEADING Thurrock councillor has spoken of her 'absolute fury' at plans to demolish homes in her ward and replace them with a new housing development.

Last week Thurrock Nub News exclusively broke the story that Thurrock Council is considering 20 new sites across the borough for development. (See story via red button link below).

Some of them are open spaces, others are disused garages and car parks but in Orsett planning officers are suggesting demolishing existing council homes – and compulsory purchasing private homes - for a new 55 home development.

The news has sparked considerable outrage in the village and homeowners who could lose their properties say damage has already been part done because just by announcing the scheme (without consulting residents) it might be difficult to sell the properties now.

Ward councillor Sue Little, who sits on the cabinet where the scheme is earmarked for debate tomorrow evening (Wednesday, 12 February) says the development in Orsett will not happen and has told one worried resident: "Do not worry they will not be doing anything to your house."

Cllr Little says: "I am absolutely furious about it. I will fight this to the death to have it taken off.

"I do understand the council's need to build new council homes. Apparently this is a call to sites and they look at all council-owned houses that may need doing up and is that a good way to spend taxpayer's money?"

She is calling on residents to lobby her fellow ward councillor, BarryJohnson, who also sits on the cabinet where he is the portfolio holder for housing.

She adds: "I need people to write to Cllr Johnson and explain how they feel about this particular 'plot'. Imagine the parking problems this will make around the village. The total change of street scene etc. So please write to [email protected] before Wednesday when cabinet is."

The 20 schemes will also be debated at the Housing Overview and Scrutiny committee tonight.