GRAYS town centre is once again at the centre of attention this morning seven days after Nub News featured the massive increase in parking on the High Street

And it's not just parked vehicles that residents and traders are complaining about but also a significant buildup of rubbish at the rear of some of the properties close to the Morrisons Superstore.

Last week we told how a child's life had been put in danger by a reversing vehicle on the High Street which is now regularly been open to traffic as a gate is unlocked.

It is not clear who is opening the gate, though fingers have been pointed at a new church that recently opened in the area.

Keys to the 'fireman's gate', which is supposed to only be opened by emergency services, can be purchased on the internet.

Nub News has spoken to Grays Riverside ward councillor Val Morris-Cook and Grays police, who have expressed their concern about safety issues in the town centre.

However there has been no response from the council despite emails from Nub News asking for a comment the gate on the junction with High Street and Clarence Road.

The gate on Grays High Street that is being opened.

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It was again opened around 9am this morning and quickly a significant number of cars drove in and parked up.

Local traders contacted Nub News this morning about renewed parking in front of their shops and businesses and no enforcement.

They also highlighted festering piles of rubbish that are being accrued on land to the rear of their properties.

One told Nub News: This rubbish has been left for a long time now we've complained to the council to do something about it.

"Either remove it or take enforcement action but they do nothing.

"We've seen rats and we think it is a real danger to health and well-being and something has to be done.

"As for the parking another blind alley we appear to be going against. We've also complained to the council but there you go, it's opened up again today."

Cllr Morris-Cook says she will be 'escalating' both the parking and rubbish issues with the council.