TWO councillors have rubbished measures introduced into their village as part of a government-funded campaign to make life safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

Conservative Cllr Sue Sammons and independent Cllr Fraser Massey both live very close to the rail crossing in their ward of East Tilbury where speed bumps have just be created as part of a new 20mph zone either side of the rail tracks.

Thurrock Council has already been widely mocked for what it has done across the borough after drawing down a £288,000 payment from the government's Emergency Active Travel fund and earlier this week Thurrock Nub News reported on how the council has lost out on almost half a million pounds in the second tranche of funding after its previous efforts were evaluated.

The council has still picked up £690,000 but it is coming under close scrutiny about how it spends the cash.

And Cllrs Sammons and Massey are clearly not impressed with the two small sets of speed bumps created this week on the approach to the crossing nor the projected signposting that comes along with it.

One post was even placed across the front of a resident's garden access and was only moved when Cllr Sammons complained!

Cllr Sammons said: "These bumps are not going to make the slightest bit of impact on the speed and movement on any vehicles.

"It is a waste of money and does not solve the problems. I would much rather have seen speed cameras introduced. The problem then would have been solved.

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"We have had narrow pavements here for many years, nobody has been worried about the safety of our pedestrians as the traffic has grown and grown. Suddenly Covid has come in and now this which we are told it's all about safety of pedestrians. This is ridiculous."

That view was shared by Cllr Massey who said: "I cannot see how this is going to help pedestrians and cyclists in the way this scheme was meant to be.

"There are so many HGVs here, that is one of the key dangers. And it looks like the measures that are going in will make little difference.

"A couple of well-placed speed cameras would have been a much better result."

Similar speed bumps and 20mph restrictions are being installed at rail crossings across the borough and the council then plans a six month consultation with residents to see what impact they have had.