THURROCK'S senior housing councillor has apologised to residents after announcing an 'administrative error' in much a much-loved open space in Corringham was listed as a potential site for housing development.

Just over 24 hours before Thurrock Council's cabinet is due to discuss 20 sites across the borough that officers consider suitable for housing Cllr Barry Johnson has announced the open space adjacent to Springhouse Road has been pulled from consideration.

In the wake of a significant chorus of local opposition and concern the portfolio holder for housing wrote to resident Sharon Jarrold of Bibby Close, Corringham, this morning (Tuesday, 11 February) saying a council blunder was to blame.

He wrote: "I can assure you that this site is NOT to be considered as a suitable site as the Conservative administration realise the importance of this open land to the community and it has been removed from the list.

"The inclusion was an administrative error and I apologise for any inconvenience and stress the erroneous inclusion may have caused you."

Ms Jarrold had written to Cllr Johnson saying: "To develop this site will have a devastating effect on the local roads.The building of the Port has shown a massive impact on the community not all good.

"The parking on Springhouse Road is already a danger.This is before the Springhouse club gets redeveloped.

"We struggle to get doctors' appointments due the increasing population, only one post office serving both Stanford and Corringham, no police presence or station and a huge increase in burglary, car theft, and drug dealers.

"This needs to be stopped and let us enjoy the green space, young and old enjoy this area.

"I feel the Thurrock and Basildon NHS need the money rather than the greedy builders."

Earlier today Thurrock Nub News reported on comments by another cabinet member, Cllr Sue Little, who said she would 'fight to the death' to get another area of land in the proposals - on Ridgewell Avenue in Orsett - removed from the scheme.

She urged residents to contact Cllr Johnson with their concerns - see story via red button below.

In the wake of Cllr Johnson's comments today Thurrock Nib News has asked the council what the cost has been in preparing the aborted, unwanted and apparently unauthorised presentation about the Springhouse Road open space.