TODAY (Thursday, 7 January) saw the launch this morning of Thurrock Council's new initiative, 'Trailer Thursday' at the Linford Household Waste and Recycling Centre on Buckingham Hill Road near Stanford-le-Hope.

With effect from today, and on all subsequent Thursdays, only vehicles with trailers and a permit will be allowed to use the tip on Thursdays between 8am and 11.45am. After that window of opportunity, trailers will not be permitted on the site!

The council will be enforcing the rules vigorously. This morning even though just one bay at the tip was occupied vehicles without trailers but with rubbish on board were being turned away.

"I can understand your frustration, but this is the rule and it is what we have to do," said the unfortunate council worker manning the gate who looked somewhat sheepish and embarrassed as he had to enforce the rule.