CONTRACTORS fixing potholes on a Grays residential estate have been slammed for shoddy work that left pavements and roads scattered with hot sticky tar debris, that worked its way into people's driveways and homes.

One resident is demanding compensation for a ruined pair of shoes and wants an apology and assurance that further poor work will not be tolerated.

Last Friday (17 July) Thurrock Nub News was alerted by several residents to work being carried out to fix potholes, on a blisteringly hot day on Buxton Road in north Grays.

The work was being carried out by 'jet-packing' firm Velocity, with whom the then Labour-led Thurrock Council agreed a new partnership last year.

It promised "fast, cost effective and eco-friendly jet patching technology."

However, according to Buxton Road resident Duncan Evans and his neighbours, the work carried out on their road was far from efficient – and left the area in a complete mess.

He said: I can only describe it as a botched and rushed job. It was far too hot a day for the material to set, so as vehicles went along the road their tyres just pulled lumps of sticky rock and tar out and it was scattered all over the road and pavements.

"People walking by picked it up on their shoes, it fell off cars onto driveways and it was unknowingly walked into some people's houses.

"I had a pair of new Skechers covered in tar and stones. They are ruined.

"The road was a complete mess and left in a far worse state than when they started."

Mr Evans was so upset he visited the Town Hall on Monday to make a formal complaint, but was denied access to anyone responsible.

Only today (Thursday, 23 July) after pressure brought by Nub News did he receive a response to an email sent in which he said: "I drove into King Edward Drive right into Grangewood Avenue, left into Carlton Road, left into Buxton Road and left into my rear garden. I was astonished when I exited my car to find I appeared to have left a trail of tarmac and grit.

"I walked out onto the pavement and realised by the mess left attempted road repairs had been undertaken although no signage was displayed.

"I could not believe this had been done yet again in weather conditions of extreme heat.

"For my part I lay the problem created in Buxton Road firmly at the door of the company employed by Thurrock Council – Velocity. I approached them and said 'what the hell are you doing in this heat? It is clear to see the intended repairs are not setting it is all over the walkway and my block paving'.

"I believe they made a phone call and drove off. They made no attempt to examine my block paving but I was in my socks and showed them my Sketchers which the man I took to be in charge said they would easily clean and I handed them to him. Yes, he got the stones off, but not all of the tar stains.

"I spent most of the afternoon trying to clear up the mess in my rear garden. I swept the walkway of the perimeter of my property and that of my neighbours."

Thurrock Nub News also contacted the council on Friday, but did not receive a formal response until Thursday after we had chased up the lack of a response to our original message, which included video and pictures.

The response we got was: "Thurrock Council is in touch with this resident and dealing with their complaint.

"During periods of extreme heat it can take longer for road surfaces and pothole repairs to set and cure. In these circumstances we put up signs to let drivers know to slow down on these parts of the road to help avoid any issues.

"Over the last few years there have been thousands of potholes repaired in Thurrock using this method with no long-term issues."

Thurrock Nub News and Mr Evans can confirm no signs warning of grit and tar issues or offering speed advice were in place when the work was initially done on Friday. However, signage was put up when a team returned to complete work on Monday.

Today Mr Evans finally received a response from a Highway Engineer, who said: "Thank you for contacting Thurrock Council regarding the road maintenance works carried out on Buxton Road and for bringing your concerns to our attention.

"I am sorry to hear about the issues you experienced and the inconvenience caused.

"We take reports of damage or disruption resulting from highway maintenance activities seriously. Your comments regarding the condition of the repair, the material affecting your vehicle, footwear and property, and the lack of signage have been noted.

"The works carried out were part of a preventative maintenance treatment used to seal the carriageway and slow further deterioration of the road surface. This type of treatment is one of a number of methods used to extend the life of the highway until more substantial resurfacing works can be undertaken.

Velocity's technology was illustrated in a video released by Thurrrock Council last year.

"As part of these works, warning signs are normally placed to alert road users to the presence of loose chippings.

"We have referred your concerns to our contractor and requested that they investigate the circumstances surrounding the works undertaken at this location, including the issues you have raised regarding the condition of the repair and signage.

"In relation to your request for reimbursement, any claim for damage or financial loss has been passed to contractor to be assessed based on the evidence provided and the findings of the investigation.

"Thank you for taking the time to report this matter. We appreciate your patience whilst the investigation is carried out."