THREE months after an apparent stand-off between Thurrock Council and local scouts as deal has now been struck ensuring the immediate future of the Alf Lowne Scout Centre on Richmond Road in Grays.

In December Thurrock Nub news reported on criticism of the council by Thurrock Scouts, who alleged the authority had reneged on a deal to give them a new lease on the building.

Local scouts representative and former district commissioner Graham Monk went so far as to say: "Quite frankly this stinks and I believe that there is an ulterior motive."

That motive was suggested to be a deal with a property developer wanting to take on part of the land – though this was denied by the council who turned the blame on the scouts for being dilatory in responding to communications between the two organisations.

They gave two statements, including the message: "Eventually the council had to give deadlines and then withdraw, as is usual estate management good practice.

"This kind of agreement would usually be signed in a matter of weeks."

However, this week Mr Monk contacted Nub News to say: "I'm pleased to be able to report that the Council backtracked and the new 25 year lease has now been signed."

The council has refused to make any new comment, simply saying: "The council has nothing further to add to the statements provided to you on 23 and 29 December, 2023."