FOLLOWING publication of a Nub News story highlight the shocking state of Corringham Town park, it has been partially closed by Thurrock Council for maintenance.

Nub News reported on the continued poor state of the park last week, following an accident in which a local, elderly woman tripped and fell and was injured. Other falls and injuries have been reported on social media.

Thurrock Council has declined to offer any response about the state of the park to Nub News, which it continues to blank, not liking our probing questions about its performance and service to residents.

Ward councillors in Corringham have also remained tight-lipped on the park's condition – though neighbouring Homesteads ward councillor Gary Byrne has been vehement critic of the authority.

As work teams finally moved in, and filled in one major gaping crack on a park pathway, Cllr Byrne said: "During January's full council meeting where portfolio holder for parks Cllr Andrew Jefferies waxed lyrical about his and his teams work in Thurrock's parks, I challenged him saying he doesn't see what I see.

"This was related to Thurrock Council going back on the promise of investment into Balstonia park.

"I also wonder about Corringham Town Park and what that means to the council. Why has it taken an elderly lady's nasty accident, intervention from Thurrock Independents councillors and a news story from Nub News for action to be taken?

"Nub News raised this issue and presented video evidence of the appalling disrepair of the parks, initially more than a year ago and many resident requests for action have fallen on deaf ears.

"The ward councillors Jack Duffin, Alex Anderson and Shane Ralph should hold their heads in shame and personally apologise to the poor lady over the accident that would have been avoided if they had taken notice of the many warnings.

The council has now filled in the dangerous hole and are refurbishing neglected pathways. It's a shame it takes an accident to get work done."