THURROCK Council leader Cllr Rob Gledhill has highlighted contrasting forces across the borough, slamming ne'er-do-wells who abuse their community and contrasting them with previous local heroes highlighted in an arts project.

In his regular blog to residents, Cllr Gledhill says: "As we approach the Jubilee it is fantastic to see the borough coming into bloom. As well as our parks and green spaces coming to life, we have installed planters across the borough celebrating some of the amazing women of Thurrock through the ages.

"I look forward to watching these planters spring to life in the coming weeks."

Cllr Geldhill was referring to five ornamental fixtures put in place and funded from a £155,80 grant the council has received from England European Regional Development Fund.

Detail about the history and origin of the figures created by 'cultural artist and street furniture' proponent Tim Ward is somewhat sparse, though the council's communities portfolio holder Cllr Deb Huelin attempted to explain, saying: "These five planters – known as the 'Green Ladies' – will tell the story of Thurrock's inspirational history.

"Each one, measuring 2.5m tall, will be a woman representing a different story in our long-steeped heritage and reflect an aspect of the location and community around them.

"I encourage you to find these wonderful 'Green Ladies' when you are out with friends and family visiting retailers that these planters will be based on."

A further council statement attempted to add more substance, saying: "A council statement says: "In a nod to South Ockendon's rural and farming heritage, the Land and Farming Green Lady will stand on Derwent Shopping Parade.

"She will be neighbours with a Fish Seller on Grays High Street and the Royal Green Lady on Calcutta Road, Tilbury – representing when Queen Elizabeth I weho famously came ashore at Tilbury in 1588.

"Nature Green Lady will stand on King Street, Stanford-le-Hope and the Maritime Green Lady will take up residence in close proximity to the marshes and the Thames on Gordon Road, Corringham."

Cllr Gledhill has linked the five planters to other pending community celebrations to come next month, and then contrasted the community's celebratory spirit with recent events, saying: "A great deal of work is taking place to make sure the borough is ready for the jubilee, that is why it is so disappointing that we continue to need to take action against those who think that it is OK to litter or fly-tip in our borough.

"We all have a role to play in keeping Thurrock nice, tidy and safe, and the good news is that the vast majority of residents do just that - but it only takes a few thoughtless and selfish individuals who think the rules do not apply to them to make it look worse for all of us. That is why we will never apologise for taking action against them and making sure they face appropriate consequences for what they do.

"Over the last two weeks we have seen fly-tippers brought to justice as their vehicles were seized and fines issued. This week, a man ended up having to pay over £740 because he could not be bothered to dispose of a cigarette end properly. "

That case was highlighted on Thurrock Nub News, and it would be fair to say the public support for the council's pursuit of punishment was received in somewhat lukwarm fashion.

However, Cllr Gledhill was ebullient in his praise for the council's action, saying: "Our environmental enforcement team do a fantastic job and issue nearly 4,000 fixed penalty notices a year for littering and over 250 fines for fly-tipping. Of course, we would much rather litter and waste was disposed of properly so we don't have to go to such expense with Council Tax payers money to keep our streets clean.

"I am proud of Thurrock and its close-knit communities and it will be great to see so many people coming together and celebrating the Platinum Jubilee in a couple of weeks' time."