THE chair of Thurrock's Local History Society has slammed Thurrock Council for allowing the demise of the Coalhouse Fort Project.

As exclusively reported by Thurrock Nub news last month, the Project, which relied on volunteers to man the council-owned fort has been closed by its trustees.

The move was controversial and not supported by some of the volunteers – who are now removing many of the artefacts and exhibitions in the fort.

Sue Yates of the History Society says: "My members who were appalled to find out that another part of Thurrock's heritage is being allowed to go.

"Coalhouse Fort built in 1869 at a cost of £130,000 will no longer be maintained by the wonderful volunteers of the Coalhouse Fort Project. There will be no more open days and no more guided tours.

"As I write various items including guns, military vehicles and nodels are being removed and relocated elsewhere. It is not even certain that this will be used as an educational facility anymore. Coalhouse Fort is one of, if not the finest example of an armoured casemate fort in England.

"When the Coalhouse Fort Project took over the building was barely distinguishable from the parade square as it was overgrown with brambles and weeds. Over the last 30 years they have worked hard to get the fort in a condition suitable for opening to the public and thus allowing the people of not just Thurrock but Essex and South East England to see this wonderful part of England's military history.

"Thurrock Council will now be able add Coalhouse Fort to the list of buildings it has allowed to disappear like Belhus Manor, Belmont Castle and more recently Cholley's Farm."