THURROCK Council has admonished contractors wprking on its behalf for not working within health and safety guidelines.

Earlier this week Stanford East and Corringham Town councillor Shane Ralph posted on social media about a clean up on the walkway above Grover Walk in Corringham.

He said the council had stepped in to tidy up the area as they had been unable to reach a resolution about its maintenance with a number of landlords who should be responsible for its upkeep.

Cllr Ralph said the council was in a 'legal battle'

However, Cllr Ralph's picture showed a workman without any hi-viz material, personal protective items and the area did not look to be screened from the public.

That has prompted the council to say: "Thurrock Council is disappointed that a Mears contractor who, while working to make the underside of the walkway safe, was not adhering to health and safety standards and wearing appropriate PPE.

"We have contacted Mears to reinforce the importance of ensuring their staff wear the correct PPE at all times."

The council declined to respond about its relationship with the owners of the walkway and would not comment on the legal dispute highlighted by Cllr Ralph.