RESIDENTS in Tilbury have given the thumbs up to the formation of a new campaign group to champion the fight against dust that blights the town and local community.

The issue of air pollution and dust in the area is a long running one and the new campaign has been backed by the council's former portfolio holder for air quality and Tilbury Riverside councillor, Allen Mayes.

He stepped down from that role at the last council cabinet reshuffle but speaking to Nub News earlier this year he said he will never stop fighting to improve air quality in the area.

Going further back to May last year Nub News featured the impact of dust on residents' lives in a video report from the home of a local couple whose garden and standard of living is blighted by it.

Now local resident Craig Austin is leading the way with a new fight and has launched 'Project Tilbury'.

He says: "I have secured funding and engaged a specialist organisation to prepare an independent report into the dust issue with sampling due to take place in the coming days but we need residents' help and  input.

"Enough is enough now.

"We have also secured facilities for us to meet to discuss this as a group if you are interested.

"If you'd like to get involved please email your name, and the road you live in to [email protected]."

Cllr Mayes was among the first of many to back the new initiative on social media saying: "I would love to be a part of this group and to support in any way I can. I secured independent dust testing in 2019 so if I can assist with the recommendations from that and to move things on then I would love to help."