RESIDENTS living in Sheltered Housing in Chadwell St Mary and Aveley have met with Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr Kairen Raper, in the first of several visits to Sheltered Housing sites across the borough.

Cllr Raper spoke to residents at Arthur Barnes Court where she heard their views, answered questions about her role as Mayor and reminisced about Thurrock's heritage.

She also met residents at The Sycamores, where she was joined by her Consort, Cllr Steve Liddiard, and Cllr Cathy Sisterson, ward councillor for Aveley and Uplands.

Pauline Rose, who lives at Arthur Barnes Court, said: "The Mayor was very interested in what we did, how we use the hall, and the local community and services in our area."

The Mayor at The Sycamores.

Rita and George Beels from The Sycamores added: "We enjoyed meeting the Mayor and fellow councillors. They were very friendly and showed concerns for the elderly."

Cllr Raper said: "I arranged these visits after speaking to a resident at one of my ward surgeries, and previous Mayors have also undertaken similar sessions which have always been well received.

"As Mayor, I feel it is very important to put the people of Thurrock first and this was just one of the ways in which I have tried to do so. I was made to feel very welcome by the people I met and hope they enjoyed my visit as much as I did."

Future visits to other sheltered housing sites in Tilbury, Corringham and Grays, as well as Collins House, a residential home for adults in Corringham, are planned over the next month.