A NUMBER of borough councillors have been echoing Thurrock Council's message to local residents telling them parks are out of bounds because of the coronavirus clampdown.

Cllrs Sue Little, Shane Ralph and Barry Johnson are among those who have shared a social media message put out by the authority this afternoon, saying: "All play equipment and outdoor exercise areas in our parks are now closed with immediate effect.

"We ask that if you normally use this equipment that you please desist from doing so until further notice. Thank you for your co-operation."

Yet the council themselves appear to be flouting lots of their own advice.

Leading the way with advice this morning was its director of Public Health, Ian Wake, who took to social media with a simple, stark message. 'Stay Home Now'.

Yet within a couple of hours of that message, which backed up the government's guidance that all but essential workers should stay at home, the council sent out teams of environmental staff to carry out menial tasks like leaf-picking and tree planting, while traffic enforcement officers angered residents by dishing out parking tickets!

Social media has featured many residents' concerns that the council is saying one thing - and doing another - but the council has declined to explain its actions.

It all seems to make Cllr Johnson's comment to residents: "Please do not ignore this information as it could save your life and the lives of others" a little hollow!

Thurrock Nub News Coronavirus guidance