THURROCK Council has gone tight-lipped and declined to say why street signage associated with a much-mocked Covid-19 initiative is still being put in place across the borough – more than a week after the authority said the £288,000 scheme had been stopped.

Thurrock Nub News has reported on the implementation of the pavement painting and street signage scheme which was put in place after the council was awarded the cash from the government which wanted local councils to promote sustainable travel and create a safe local infrastructure.

Thurrock's answer was to put painted arrows and 'Covid-19' spray-painted signs on pavements at a number of travel 'pinch-points' across the borough, in addition to signs on lampposts.

The plan was ridiculed. And Thurrock Nub News was told that the plan had been put in place by officers without authorisation from senior councillors – who would have not sanctioned it had they known!

The criticism was widespread and last week the council backtracked and made an announcement saying: "The one way signage is now being removed. No further signage will be installed and the pavement marking will be naturally washed away over time."

However, this week, contractors were spotted putting up more signage in the west of the borough, We asked the council 'why?' – and got no response. Today (Thursday, 13 August) the crews were out again doing more painting and putting in more signage. We contacted the council – and senior councillors – and asked 'why?' We have had no response.

Thurrock Nub News editor Neil Speight said: "I have been personally assured this scheme had ended. I have been told it should never have been sanctioned – and I was told officially and in writing – which we shared with our readers – that it had ended.

"But it seems no one told the guys painting the streets. It appears the directives and wishes of senior and elected councillors who have reflected the widespread condemnation of this crackpot scheme are just being ignored in yet another example of how democracy and public accountability in Thurrock no longer matters. And it illustrates the complete disregard by this authority for the hard-earned cash that we taxpayers are asked to stump up!"

Related stories:

Council backtracks and says signage will stop.

Confusion reigns over street signage.

£288,000 scheme is mocked.