AFTER two days of sprucing up by teams of council workmen in advance of a visit by dignitaries, new play equipment at Grays Beach Riverside Park was officially opened today (Thursday, 27 May).

Representatives from Thurrock Council, including leader Cllr Rob Gledhill, members of the Grays Towns Fund Board including vice-chair and borough MP Jackie Doyle-Price attended the relaunch event.

Works to rejuvenate Grays Beach Riverside Park got under way earlier this year, thanks to a cash injection of £750,000 provided by the Grays Towns Fund Board under the government's £3.6billion Towns Fund scheme.

This contribution, which was divided between multiple projects, is part of the ongoing multi-million pound regeneration of Grays following investment from the government and Thurrock Council to help transform the area.

Cabinet Member for Regeneration Cllr Mark Coxshall said: "I am delighted that I could attend this event and see first-hand how the initial phase of works to rejuvenate the park has played a part in the wider regeneration that will transform Grays. The funding from Grays Towns Fund Board, as part of the government's Towns Fund, alongside council investment has enabled the delivery of a worthwhile project which will be enjoyed by our community for years to come."

Cllr Andrew Jefferies, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: "It's wonderful that Grays Beach Riverside Park has received this funding boost and that families across Thurrock can benefit from the new play equipment, including a new ship and castle, Parkour outdoor sports, health and fitness area, and improved accessibility. The Splashpad, funded by the council, is due to open during the summer.

"Thank you to the Grays Towns Fund Board and local volunteers for their work."

Chair of Grays Towns Fund Board and Director of Development at NewRiver REIT, Justin Thomas, said: "We will continue to look for opportunities to further progress the regeneration of Grays and ensure that the town meets the needs of its community."

Teams of council workers spent two days before the visit of officials cleaning up the park, clearing away rubbish, sweeping paths and generally sprucing up area that have been overgrown and overlooked - despite the best efforts of the volunteers who run the park on a day to day basis.

The volunteers had called on the council to provide toilets for the park while the cafe is closed because of coronavirus but those appeals fell on council deaf ears, though in the end two portable loos were obtained to help meet the requirements of local visitors to the park. See story.