THURROCK residents are being asked to give their views on the future of the Thameside complex in Grays - the building which houses the town's library and the Thameside Theatre.

Currently it also houses the borough Register Office but Thurrock council plan to move that into their new civic offices and say that offers an opportunity to make things happen at the complex.

Supporters of the theatre have regarded this as a positive move as for many years there has been conjecture that the council wish to get rid of the building entirely - and see it as something of a millstone round the authority's neck.

The future of the complex - and particularly the theatre - has been a debating point for years. In 2015 a council report on a cross party review stated the current complex was no longer fit for purpose.

And in 2017 an undebated report to the council's cabinet said: ""Building likely to close in the following year. Letting income potentially limited by nature of space."

However, in a new consultation published online, Take survey the council has invited comment of a limited number of options it has put forward.

The council says: "The Thameside Theatre is a valued cultural anchor for Grays.

"Improving Orsett Road provides an opportunity to create a better outdoor environment for everyone to enjoy.

"The main principles of this project are:

"Create a cultural and community hub

"Improving the external areas and accessibility into the Thameside Theatre and improving links with the wider town centre park."

The survey consists of three questions, asking about the level of of agreement with the points raised, asking if there could be further improvements to the options and has the council missed anything?