ROADSIDE memorials placed after fatalities in Thurrock are to be removed by the borough council after senior members decided to implement a policy first laid down several years ago but rarely carried out.

At the recent meeting of the borough's cabinet councillors considered a report from Cllr Andrew Jefferies, the portfolio holder for environment, togather with his Conservative colleague Cllr Ban Maney who has responsibilities for highways.

Thurrock Nub News first reported on the new plans in December last year.

Cllr Jefferies' report said: "The practice of laying floral tributes at the side of a fatal collision has, in recent years, become more common.

"To many families involved it is an important part of the grieving process and provides a poignant reminder of the loss of a loved one. At the same time there are those who believe that grieving should remain a private matter and any memorial or tribute should be at the graveside or garden of remembrance.

"This policy is intended to be a sensitive but controlled approach to the management of roadside memorials and tributes on Thurrock's roads and on Thurrock owned land.

"Thurrock recognises that there are differing and sometimes strongly held views about this matter and in putting forward this policy it has sought to adopt an approach that seeks to take into account a diverse range of views and concerns.

"Roadside memorials that are currently in place before this policy has been adopted will be in accordance with the new procedure.

"The Council will identify all current roadside memorials on Council owned land and will write to the bereaved families to inform them of the policy; and that the tributes will be removed from site 30 days after the correspondence has been sent.

"Local ward councillors will be made aware in advance of when the existing roadside memorials will be removed.

"The council, in liaison with the Police Family Liaison Officer will provide support to ensure that families are aware of these arrangements and will facilitate the collection of any items that they may wish to retrieve. Any items that are not collected after three months will be disposed of."

The comments of Cllrs Jefferies and Maney can be viewed via our video,

Among memorials likely to be removed are the motorbike and stone bench on New Road, Grays, which were put in place following the death of Zach Smallcombe in 2015. Mr Smallcombe, 27, died in a road accident. Flowers, candles, pictures and beer cans are among the many items, as well as the bike, which remain at the site close to the civic offices.

The report had been presented to Cleaner, Greener and Safer Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 20 January where councillors stressed they did not want Thurrock to seem to be a heartless authority and would like Cabinet to deal with the matter sensitively

Members of the cabinet agreed the renewed policy be implemented.