ABOVE ground construction work has begun on seven affordable family homes in Chadwell St Mary, almost three years after the scheme was first proposed.

The news homes are part of a near £20 million scheme to develop garage sites across the borough, providing 46 new affordable homes.

It was first propoposed in October 2023, and then revived in late 2024.

Cllr Rob Willoughby, portfolio holder for Adult Health and Housing Services, visited the site on Vigerons Way to check on progress with the news homes set to be ready by April next year.

Cllr Willoughby said: "This site was previously some underused garages and is now on course to providing much needed council homes for Thurrock people."

Building contractor TJ Evers, which was appointed by the council to carry out the work, has been delivering on its developer contributions to the community.

The company has taken on a local young person as an apprentice. It is providing financial support to Stanford Warriors, a martial arts club in Stanford-Le-Hope, and employing local businesses to complete portions of the construction project.

Trey, who lives in Chadwell, has been an apprentice on the site for a few months already.

advertisement

"I'm learning a lot," said Trey. "I've been helping with the bricklaying and the groundwork. Previously I was at college, but I think learning on site and gaining practical experience works better for me."