THURROCK Council's Conservative leader has delivered a bullish prediction for the future of the borough, saying it can overcome its problems and the government's 'levelling up' project will help local residents fulfil their potential.

Cllr Rob Gledhill was speaking as borough Conservative contnue to prep[are for next month's local elections and in the wake of a local announcement made by the Tories that the borough is to receive £2,376,355 from the Conservative Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

They say the cash will help level up the community – "from regenerating run-down high streets to fighting anti-social behaviour".

The funding includes money for Multiply - a new UK-wide programme to equip adults with functional numeracy skills to improve their employment prospects. This could mean free tutoring, digital training and flexible courses to help adults with low-level maths skills get back into work, as well as measures to get more young people into high-skilled jobs.

Cllr Gledhill, who will be challenged in his Little Thurrock Rectory ward by Labour's Aaron Green in the elections on Thursday, 5 May, said: "I am incredibly proud of Thurrock and know that our best days lie ahead. I am determined to work with the Government to ensure that everyone from our area is able to reach their full potential. That is why I welcome the investment of £2,376,355 for Thurrock, which can be used across a range of projects from supporting adults who lack basic numeracy skills, helping young people into good jobs, and regenerating our high streets. This investment will help to local residents to fulfil their potential, while reducing regional inequalities that have been left untouched for too long."