IT seems unlikely now that there will be any significant public services to mark Remembrance Sunday in Thurrock.

That is a situation accepted with understanding and sadness by local stalwarts and veteran supporters - but anger and shock has been expressed over a delay by Thurrock Council in responding to public questions.

One local event organiser has expressed his disgust after it took the council 45 days and 17 hours to open an email regarding what help might - or might not - be offered to local communities.

David Meacham, who leads the committee that organises the popular Stanford-le-Hope service which regularly draws more than 2,000 people, had been trying to contact the council for several weeks, before finally getting a response last month.

In mid August he documented his frustration in a Thurrock Nub News article.

And later in the month (31 August) the council finally got round to contacting Mr Meacham and apologised for the delay.

And he has since been told by Julie Nelder, the council's assistant director for Highways, Fleet & Logistics, that the council is limited about what it can - or will - do.

She says: "Thank you for your email dated 26th August 2020 together with your risk assessment for a Remembrance Day service on 8 November this year.

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"In accordance with current national restrictions, we are unable to process applications for events that are likely to involve large groups of people and these restrictions are unfortunately unlikely to change in time for Remembrance Sunday parades or services this year.

"Discussions regarding RBL Remembrance services are ongoing and I understand the RBL is meeting nationally on 18 September to discuss events this year, after which, we will of course be in touch with you again to confirm the position with regards to events."

Mr Meacham says he accepts the situation but has reiterated his concern that council must make provision in case large numbers of people still turn up.

"The issue can't be ignored, my concern is that people will still want to pay tribute and will still turn up.

"Many memorials, particularly Stanford's, are on busy places, on busy roads, and there is an inherent danger that unsupervised crowds and vehicles don't mix well."

And he is altogether unimpressed by the fact that one of his emails to the council - to an officer dealing with potential road closures and issues of public safety, has only just been opened.

"It beggars belief," said Mr Meacham, who was alerted to the email's opening yesterday (10 September) by tracking software.

"We may have coronavirus and people working at home, but it is just not acceptable for an officer to sit on an important email for 45 days and 17 hours. Is there any wonder a lot of people think the council just pays lip service to the needs and wishes of its residents?"

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