OPPOSITION councillors in Thurrock are uniting with residents' groups in a bid to stop possible housing developments on public open spaces – particularly in the South Ockendon area.

Thurrock Nub News has recently reported on the extended debates over 19 sites, mostly council-owned, where regeneration officers believe new homes development might be accommodated.

And at last week's cabinet meeting of the Conservative-run council all but one of its members voted for work to continue on preparing plans for the site – though they did stress there would be full consultation in due course.

The effectiveness of consultation and the council's readiness to change its views has been greeted with some scepticism by both the Labour and Independent groups on the council.

Labour's Portfolio Holder for Housing, Cllr Lynn Worrall said: "Tory councillors have given clear political support for these plans - clearly no green space is too small for them to concrete over.

"Labour will do all we can to oppose the Tories plans and protect our open spaces across the Borough".

Resident Ruth Clapham had been working with the Labour group to organise a petition against the possible developments on green spaces in Callan Grove, Derry Avenue, Culver Centre and Field, Garron Lane, Humber Avenue and Enbourne Green in Ockendon and Belhus.

Ms Clapham said: "We must to nip these crazy plans in the bud. While we accept the need for more we want housing that local people can afford in Thurrock, even thinking about building on these open spaces is wrong.

"These green spaces are essential for the health and community well-being of their local communities and are the only bits of green we have.

"There are plenty of areas in Thurrock which could fit more homes however the Tory Council have purposefully targeted our green spaces. We are not prepared to give up these precious pieces of green land without a fight.

"This petition is the first step in our campaign. We want to encourage local people and community groups to join us if anyone shares our concerns and would like to get involved in our campaign they can sign our petition by contacting us at [email protected]."