WITH a growing sense of enmity between two differing groups who are concerned about the future of Coalhouse Fort, Thurrock Council has confirmed that in the more than seven months since it took over day-to-day running of the historic gem, little has been done in practical terms to maintain it.

As recently reported on Thurrock Nub News, two groups have been set up in the wake of the closure earlier this year of the Coalhouse Fort Project – a process itself steeped in deep disappointment, anger and a clash of opinions.

Because it was perceived the council had been doing little to maintain the fort, which is reportedly becoming overgrown and decaying inside its walls, a group of its supporters decided they had to act and form a protest and lobby group.

Coalhouse Fort Future launched its Facebook page on August 18 after its founders said: "We are a group of dedicated people who are passionate about Coalhouse Fort and want to stop it falling further into disrepair and dereliction.

"It is currently closed to the public with no regular maintenance being undertaken. We have expertise in managing fortifications in the UK and internationally and a wealth of experience in the charity sector.

"This important historic site needs to be urgently maintained, to protect its past and preserve its future."

In 17 days the group has attracted more than 800 members.

But an existing group, Coalhouse Fort Historical Society responded by saying work and consultation was already underway to secure the fort's future and the group, which has just over 400 members, says it has already submitted a plan to Thurrock Council as a way forward.

One of the key members of the Historical Society is Fiona Monica who outlined its purpose and current work.

She says: "There has been some talk about how things are progressing so we thought we would update.

"We have now grown into six as a main group (with a further volunteers group of around 60 so far!)! We started off as three individual volunteers who formed one group and now another three people have come forward to help out with getting on with opening the fort.

"At the moment this group of six meet weekly and discuss items such as Remembrance Sunday and Education for children at the fort, more news to follow very shortly on this!

"We also discuss how we can remain transparent, open to all and continue to gain new volunteers. We absolutely would welcome anyone who wants to get involved and can commit time to moving this forward. To what the group of six will transform into as a structure depends completely on HE and the council requirements.

"What is currently established is an equal opportunity policy until such time a fully sworn in committee can be established."

She appears to recognise the somewhat passive approach, rather than the apparently more aggressive stance taken by the newer group, isn't to everyone's liking, adding: "This approach may not suit all but we hope you will join us and also be a voice for Coalhouse Fort and its future."

As it seems the two groups appear to have polar positions on working with the council and differing perceptions as to what the authority has done, or plans to do, we asked the council directly.

And the answer appears to contrast somewhat with its stated position in January when the Coalhouse Project closed.

Then the councillor responsible for Fort matters, Cllr Shane Ralph, said: "The fort is ready to go into its next phase of regeneration and it's exciting. The future looks amazing."

The reality appears to be a more sedate affair and it appears nothing practical has been done at the site.

This week Cllr Mark Coxshall, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, told Nub News: "We have been working hard to support our residents across numerous services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and projects are being examined on an individual basis.

"Following the decision of the Coalhouse Fort Project Management Committee to disband the charity, Thurrock Council is exploring options for the future management and maintenance of the Fort to ensure that this important heritage site is maintained and remains available for residents and visitors to explore.

"Proposals have been submitted by members of the local community who wish to take this project forward and discussions are ongoing."

And in a nod to the active efforts of those engaged with the fort before the Project was pulled, he added: "We recognise the time, effort and commitment that the Coalhouse Fort Project Management Committee and volunteers previously dedicated to the site's preservation and restoration."