OPPONENTS of plans to build social housing on an open space in the heart of South Ockendon have turned back the clock to show a leading councillor how much the area mans to the local community.

The Green, an open space adjacent to the South Ockendon Centre on Derry Avenue, is one of the sites currently being considered by Thurrock council as a location for some of the 500 council houses it wants to build.

Currently a consultation process is taking place and the lead councillor for housing, Cllr Barry Johnson, has been visiting the areas that could be utilised.

Recently he attended a local meeting at the South Ockendon Hub where he talked the plans through and asked residents to take part in the consultation process.

South Ockendon Centre supervisor Wendy Curtis, herself a former ward councillor, has responded by sending him pictures of the many events held there over the years.

She says: "Thank you for attending the Forum meeting on Monday, 2 March at the South Ockendon Centre.

"At that meeting you stated that you would listen to relevant objections for building on the Green at Derry Avenue which is opposite the Centre/Library.

"Local residents children use the Green on a daily basis to play ball games.

"For many years now the South Ockendon Centre/Belhus Library have held many Community events on the Green. These have proved to be very successful with many organisations attending to support the Community .

"Surestart Nursery bring the young children along to join in the event.

"The Thurrock Housing Department have participated. TBC Active Sports have attended encouraging all ages to participate in Sports. The events are open to all ages and disabilities. The Green is in an area where it is safe. Disabled can access the Green and Toilet facilities are nearby in the Centre. If this Green was to be taken away the Community Events would not be held. Families who use it in the summer to picnic would not be able to.

"You may say we have Dilkes Park. But there are no toilet facilities, families normally attend the Library with their children during the school summer holidays and picnic on the Green.

"I have sent photographs of the events held over the past years, some of which contain photos of volunteers who helped with the community events and have now used their skills to gain employment. I ask you to re-consider any plans for the Green, Derry Avenue to be built on. Thus taking away our Green Space."