RESIDENTS have warned they will be watching any moves by Thurrock Council, who appear to have backed down in a long-running dispute over access to a housing development site.

The long-running feud between council and residents in the Belmont road area of Grays has produced lots on public protest and animosity, ultimately culminating in the council reviewing its plans for the site – and access to it.

One of the lead campaigners has been Rosemary Stammers and, after spotting workmen 'bricking up' an access to the site of the former allotment earmarked for new council housing, she says: "After Thurrock Council's recent activities it appears they are bricking up the entrance and access from Askew's farm to the old Belmont Allotments field.

"Should they again attempt to utilise the residents' rights of ways or Parker Road Recreation Field they will be in for a legal battle and recent indiscretions within the council will be exposed!

"Note it is not the construction of the housing development that is of concern, even though the area is already oversubscribed, it is the accessibility that is of grave concern as proven last year!

"Thurrock Council are more about money than the Health and well-being of its residents and ratepayers."

Following Mrs Stammers' comments, local ward councillor Martin Kerin says he has not been informed about what is happening and adds he will be contacting the council to ask: "Please can a senior officer advise on what is happening?"