FOLLOWING resurfacing work at Coalhouse Fort car park residents in East Tilbury, particularly those in the old village closest to the heritage site, have expressed concern that it remains only a matter of time before charges for parking there are implemented.

Residents fear visitors to the first and recreation area will park on village roads rather than on the car park, exacerbating existing congestion problems.

Plans to introduce parking at rural sites were first introduced for discussion by Thurrock Council in December last year and when discussed in February this year by the council's planning, transport and regeneration overview and scrutiny committee it voted to recommend the introduction of parking charges at borough sports and recreation car parks. However, it was decided to enter a consultation process about the plan.

Mrs Julie Rogers, the director of public realm responsible for the proposal, told council members that the concerns raised about introduction of parking charges at places like South Ockendon Recreation ground, Coalhouse Fort and Langdon Hills Country Park had identified the need for further consultation.

She told members further consultation would take place which would take up to three months. However, there does not appear to have been a formal public consultation launched yet. And just a few days later the council's ruling cabinet approved the pay parking proposals.

An online petition was launched and concluded against the car parking scheme and attracted 232 signatures.

Meanwhile the fate of the fort itself remains undecided. It's almost a year since Thurrock Nub News featured the dereliction inside the building as the council sits tight on what it plans to do.

Little progress appears to have been made in resolving which of two volunteer groups with ideas for the fort's upkeep gets sway going forwards.

And to add to East Tilbury villagers' sense of being under attack from council policies, a consultation is currently underway on planned cuts to rural bus services, including the 374 which serves the area.