THE potential sale has been confirmed of the former Thurrock Adult Community College site in Grays as the cash-strapped borough council cashes in on its assets.

Controversy has dogged the decision by the council to close down the college and then demolish the buildings.

Local residents and ward councillors have complained about the disruption caused by the demolition process - but also the loss of parking at the college which has brought more vehicles onto already crowded residential roads.

It was suggested at one point that the site might be developed by the council for social housing to help offset the large numbers of people on its housing waiting list - but the site went onto the open martket and appears set to be developed commercially.

The land, on Richmond Road was put on the market by Kemsley Property Consultants which has announced the land is now 'under offer' from a potential developer.

At a meeting of the council's housing overview and scrutiny committee in 2020, the use of the site for social housing was discussed - as was a sale to the private sector.

Members were just told the future of the Adult Community College remains under review. Its footprint offers "scope for expanded development to accommodate approximately 50 dwellings."

Residents remain concerned about the future impact of any site development.

One told Thurrock Nub News: "We don't know who the new owners are, but people have been visiting the site and measuring up.

"We hope that when it comes to planning permission the council, broke or not, will abide by the duty of care it has for residents.

"Residents also hope the new ownmers will speak to the local community about the site.

"This area already has a major parking problem and Richmond Road is a dead end road with not much turning space

"The lives of residents are being adversely affected by cramming and squashing new builds all over the Grays area."