WARD councillors in Grays have expressed their scepticism over a report that work on a controversial planned new social housing development has been halted.

Thurrock Nub News reported on Tuesday that Thurrock Council has confirmed a reconsideration of plans for the former Belmont Allotments site. A spokesperson said: "A review is ongoing which has led to a pause in works. We continue to review all options for access to this site to enable the delivery of much needed housing in the borough including 28 affordable homes."

That prompted ward councillors Jane Pothecary, Tony Fish and Martin Kerin to issue a statement saying: "While we welcome this 'pause,' we remain vigilant and sceptical.

"This scheme, which we dubbed 'The Belmont Debacle,' caused great distress to the residents of Parker Road and the surrounding area. The Council's consultation process was poor, and the scheme was completely ill-thought out.

"No consideration was given to the absurdity of accessing the proposed site. With major problems now coming to light with the Council's regeneration process, we can see that the incompetence of this scheme wasn't, and indeed isn't, a one off."

And residents say they are wary of the council's intentions.

One of the leading campaigners against the development of the site – and in particular the planned access to it is Rosemary Stammers who told Thurrock Nub News: "We have been keeping a close eye on what has been happening on the Old Allotments including a fence being erected at the far end by Askew's Farm."

Residents had suggested that area be used as an alternative access to the planned housing development and fear the council has taken a 'holding position' while they remove the possibility of using that way in.

Mrs Stammers continued: "Hopefully they are not thinking of saying that they can't access through that way because I know this to be untrue."

See the earlier story via the red button below.