DRIVERS, shopkeepers and residents in Stanford-le-Hope will be told when a second attempt will be made to complete a botched utlity work programme.

Earlier this week an area of King Street in Stanford-le-Hope was supposed to be kept clear of cars to allow the Morrisons utility company to underatke cable work in the town centre.

When contractors arrived on Tuesday morning some cars were still parked in bays - so the workers left and didn't return for a second day of scheduled work.

However, with a parking restriction in force, Thurrock Council enforcement officers continued to issue parking tickets - an act roundly condemned by local people and local councillors.

Stanford East and Corringham Town councillor Shane Ralph was quick to take up the residents' concerns, particularly those of residents who had been fined. He asked them to send him copies of the tickets and said he would be asking Thurrock Council to review the situation.

Thurrock Nub News also quizzed the council about what would happen going forwards and if the tickets would be rescinded. But we have not received any information about the second part of the question, with the council saying this afternoon (Thursday, 27 October): "Parking restrictions were scheduled to be in place between 8am and 6pm on Tuesday, 25 and Wednesday, 26 October, although they were lifted early on Wednesday afternoon. 

"The contractors undertaking the work, who are not employed by Thurrock Council, needed access to overhead cables which was not possible with cars parked in the bays.

"They have told the council they will reschedule the works, which means that a works permit will be issued in the future along with the parking restrictions required for them to carry out their works."