THURROCK Council's leader has blasted opposition councillors for 'headline-grabbing' and spreading 'dishonest' information.

Cllr Rob Gledhill spoke up after Thurrock's Labour group issued a release questioning the authority's plans for new social housing at Chadwell St Mary and its relationship with the Home Office, who have been placing refugees within the borough.

Thurrock NubNews reported on the story yesterday (Monday, 3 February) – read it via the red button below.

Cllr Gledhill responded today: "This statement from a senior councillor bears no resemblance to the truth whatsoever.

"Labour were told very clearly that an agency, on behalf of the Home Office, had placed a number of asylum seekers in the borough but definitely not in any council properties.

"To give the impression that they were to be housed in new council accommodation when they knew full well they were not is nothing short of dishonest.

"The council is asking why the agents for the Home Office did not notify the council that they were placing asylum seekers in Thurrock, again Labour were fully informed of this.

"Trying to join two completely separate issues into one story shows the levels the local Labour Party will sink to try and grab a headline."