OFFICIALS from Grays Athletic Football Club, together with two young players from its junior ranks, have handed in a petition containing signatures in support of their bid to take over the former Thurrock FC ground at Ship Lane, Aveley.

Grays are joint applicants in a bid for the site which was debated earlier this year and deferred for a site visit by councillors. That took place last week.

As part of the scheme a company called Group One Automotive wants to build a car preparation pre-delivery plant on the site - a project which has met widespread opposition from local residents who have marshalled an opposition campaign.

Grays Athletic chairman Lee Vehit, club director Rob Seaman and two youngsters handed over a 3,715 strong signature petition in support of their application to Thurrock Council's planning department.

Mr Vehit said: "The club is beyond impressed with the level of support shown by local residents and the non league footballing family who have really got behind the clubs application for Ship Lane. In comparison objectors to the application handed in a 600 signature petition ahead of the last planning committee meeting, so we believe it is clear that there is clear support for our appliaction.

"The decision on Thursday night will surely be the biggest night in the club's 133 year history. After becoming homeless in 2010 through the redevelopment of the New Rec, the club for 13 years now has led a nomadic life, groundsharing at clubs around the borough and for a short time outside Thurrock completely.

"The club would like to say a huge thank you to every single resident of Thurrock, not just those from Grays but many who have signed from the Aveley and Ockendon areas and further afield. Your support for this application has been incredible and we thank you all for the support shown.

"We now look to Thursday, the club couldn't have done any more to stress to Thurrock Council how important this decision is and the benefits that it will bring not only to the club but Thurrock as a whole.

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"Please join us on Thursday night at Thurrock Council Civic Offices at 5.30pm to show your support for the club and the application."

Officers are recommending refusal of the decision which can only be voted on by a small number of members present on Thursday due to changes of personnel on the committee and some who were not present at the original discussion.