THURROCK Council has explained why exasperated residents at social housing blocks in Purfleet will have to undergo the inconvenience of more scaffolding erected outside their homes.

Tenants on the Garrison Estate who live on Marine Court and River Court contacted Thurrock Nub News after receiving correspondence from the council saying that new scaffolding was going to be put up to facilitate repairs – just weeks after scaffolding had been removed.

Among those critical of the council was one resident of Marine Court who said: "We have been told new scaffolding is going up. Talk about poor planning! After months of scaffolding around the property, which they have removed weeks after the work was completed, this really makes me wonder who plans any external work on our flats."

However, the council has told Nub News the new scaffolding is needed and will be put up in a way that 'limits disruption'.

A statement says: "The new scaffolding is of a different design and specification to that which was previously at this site. It has been designed to allow for louvres in communal windows to be replaced.

"The original scaffolding would not have been suitable for this work so instead individual 'towers' are being constructed and as work on each louvre is completed they will be taken down individually which will make this scaffolding less intrusive.

"Work has been deliberately phased to limit disruption for those living in these blocks and ensure appropriate and safe working environments for the tradespeople carrying out that work.

"These works are the final phase of improvements to these two blocks and are part of the multi-million pound council investment to refurbish homes and buildings across the Garrison Estate, Purfleet-on-Thames.

"Resident liaison officers have been assigned to support residents and answer any queries they might have. Contact details for the officer for this scheme was included in the letter sent to residents.

"The best way for residents to raise queries of this type is by directly contacting the appropriate engagement officer on the telephone number or email address supplied."