Local pensioner Dolly Milton, 87, whose late husband was one of the initial campaigners, and youngster Henry Hedges, five, were joined by ward councillors who had battled for the crossing and other residents, for a ceremonial event on Monday.

Two petitions were presented to the Council requesting a crossing in this area. The first requested a Zebra Crossing and this was refused due to the proximity of the bus stop.

Clr Wendy Curtis, who played a key role in the campaign with fellow Belhus councillors husband Charlie and Cllr Sue Gray, said: “A second petition prompted the Highways Dept to look at an alternative and agreed to a Pelican Crossing which we have today. “

This month, we have been able to look at a number of social issues. One in particular (mould) has come up and you may have noticed a number of news items and interviews regarding the issue.

The issue seems to be particularly pertinent, virulent and causing great emotional strain to the residents.

However, there appears to be a number of side-issues that have come to the fore and it seems to be communication and inter-personal skills on the side of council officers.

YT will or rather hopes to, at the end of these films, interview head of housing Barbara Brownlie as well as the portfolio holder for housing, cllr Val Morris-Cook.

This week, we spoke to Dart Green resident, Jackie Smith about her journey from home to homeless and home again. We asked Jackie to reflect on her experience.

Local port operator DP World has a longstanding commitment of over half a million pounds on the table to improve the station. The council has now authorised over £300,000 additional funds to be spent. The station will now get a dedicated bus turning area, ensuring good public transport links to the rest of the borough. This should also help traffic problems near the level crossing.

Conservative councillor James Halden said “I have been pushing for the council to commit money to this project for a number of months, and I am delighted that this has finally happened. Stanford station is in need of significant investment, and with the money from DP world we can make a real change in the area.”

Local MP Stephen Metcalfe added ““This is fantastic news for people across Stanford le Hope and I am extremely glad that the rail summit I organised last month has generated such a positive outcome so soon. The need for expansion at Stanford Station formed a large part of our discussions and it seems to have provided the final push to get things moving. I hope that local stakeholders and interested parties can continue to work together to further improve rail facilities in the area and I very much look forward to building on this important start.”

And fellow Stanford councillor Phil Anderson noted “Traffic near the station is a real problem, and these improvements can only help. As traffic has grown over the years, the road network has not been upgraded and many residents have suffered long queues in the area. This welcome investment should help improve the situation for both drivers and public transport users.”

The lady then told YT about the problems in her flat and the state of health of not only herself but her young son.

YT then made their way to our appointed meeting with Donna Merchant.

Donna had down-sized back in October. Since then, she has been inundated with problems of damp and mould.

According to Donna, the council have done many things but none of them seem to be working.

She has been greatly assisted by two of her ward councillors, Lynn Carr and Barry Johnson,

Cllr Carr said: “My post-bag is in-undated with problems due to mould and damp. Donna is just the tip of the iceberg. The council say their actions are transforming lives. I don’t see that at all.”

YT filmed in Ms Merchant’s flat and discussed the problems she was encountering.

Deirdre Lodge from Stifford Road, Aveley is suffering from an incurable lung condition. For the past few years, Deirdre has been campaigning to see improvements in homes that have mould, so as to prevent other residents seeing their health deteriorate.

Her campaigning has seen a number of politicians back her campaign. But the bottom line is: Is her home still infected with mould?

Deirdre has had a number of inspections at her home but recently Deirdre asked Jeff Charlton from Building Forensics to assess the state of her council house.

Jeff visited and conducted a detailed inspection of the property.

The report concluded:

“The property has a slightly elevated specific humidity which will, through poor insulation most likely result in biological activity and mould growth. The cleaning and maintenance regime undertaken by the occupants has reduced the risk of visible mould growth substantially.

Unfortunately the visible contamination is not considered to be the main issue as interstitial dew point issues within the walls/ceiling of the bedroom are most likely to result in contamination and the risk is high due to the hours the occupants may spend in the vicinity.

The air condition unit is another risk factor too as is secondary aerosolisation of historic possible contamination which has never been removed.

Biological contamination and inhalation risk has never been addressed and the property despite having a history of biological activity and high risk occupants has never been decontaminated.

The airborne debris loading identified from sampling in almost still air confirms a high presence of debris which must be a considered a serious inhalation risk to Deirdre.

Recommendations

The loft insulation and cross flow ventilation though soffits or eves should be investigated

The presence of mould to ceiling and wall intersection should be investigated and removed with engineering controls installed.

The Fujitsu air condition unit should be cleaned and a maintenance programme initiated and adequate insulation installed surrounding this unit.

Due to the risk/cost benefit analysis of medical care and well being of occupants a Heat Recovery Ventilator should be considered for installation to service the bedroom and lounge as a minimum to reduce inhalation risk and reduce exposure by dilution.

The source of moisture generation should be assessed and confirmed or rejected as:

Dew Point condensation through poor insulation Lifestyle issues Moisture ingress Poor ventilation

These issues can to some extent be economically assessed by data loggers

The effects of uncontrolled moisture within a building may result in unnecessary and repeated maintenance and decay of structural materials shortening the life cycle of the building a point confirmed by the presence of wood rot fungi identified from lab analysis.

YT asked Dee for her reaction. Dee said: “It was an absolute pleasure meeting Jeff, at last someone I could speak to who knows what they are talking about.

“As I have always tried to tell Thurrock Borough Council, mould growth must be risked assessed properly and not just done visually as one “inspector” recently did in my home.

“I have had contact with Jackie Doyle Price she asked me how well was the council doing with dealing with residents problems with mould. I have nothing to come back with apart from housing managers and officers congratulating themselves with regard to the Flowers Estate.

In my opinion, they have a lot to learn and until they start to listen people’s lives are at risk.

As Jeff Charlton has stated: the heat recovery units will reduce the moisture from the air but will not get rid of the mould.

“I have often complained, even at full council, that Thurrock Borough Council Environmental Officers are not qualified to assess the properties with mould, some even downgrade it to a 3 or 4.

“As an expert on living with mould, I thought I had got rid of it because I could not see it. Guess what: I still have high contamination in my home.

“If the council want to get to grips with the mould issues, as I believe Barbara Brownlie does, they need to work with the experts and not rely on their own resources.”

For further details on Mr Charlton’s work, go to:
www.Buildingforensics.co.uk
E-mail:tech@999team.org

Jeff picked up on the campaigning in Thurrock by Ockendon resident, Deirdre Lodge.

Jeff and his company Building Forensics became interested in the work of Deirdre but also whether the work being put in by Thurrock Council was going to be truly effective.

Jeff went to visit Deirdre and for a nominal fee undertook an assessment of her property.

Before he did so, YT spoke to Jeff to assess what he thought of the council’s work and whether his work could offer a more effective solution.

For further information, go to http://www.buildingforensics.co.uk

As well as dozens of local people popping in to see what was on offer and library users returning to see their new-look facility, portfolio holder for transformation and community Cllr Lynn Worrall.

She was met by centre manager Helen Saward; Maggie Pollock, from the South Ockendon Community Forum; Thurrock CVS chief executive Kristina Jackson; and library supervisor Eileen Davies.

After being shown around the centre – which is in the old Belhus Library building in Derry Avenue, Cllr Worrall said: “It’s amazing the work that has been done in such a short time.

“I’d like to personally thank all the partners – the forum and the CVS – the contractors and all the staff and volunteers for the hours they have put in to make sure we opened on time and in budget.

“This is a wonderful light and bright facility which shows how the council and the community can work together to each other’s benefit.

“There are plenty of things to learn from what we have been through and our next job is to sit down and see how those lessons can be applied as we roll out similar hubs in our towns across Thurrock.

“Here we listened to what local people told us and worked hard to provide it. This is a process we will be following elsewhere too, so look out for the hub that is coming your way soon.”

The TipToe Stage School, based in South Ockendon, helped recreate the world famous mass tap dance that took place in 1977 at the BBC’s iconic Television Centre in London.

The 2013 version was part of the last ever live broadcast from the BBC’s home.

15 dancers were selected to be part of the live broadcast following recent appearances at the Royal Albert Hall, The O2, and at the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics.

School principal, Julie Barker said: “I was thrilled that TipToe has been chosen to take part in such a recognised event. It is especially special to me as I was part of the original troupe who performed with Roy Castle way back in 1977.

“It is quite emotional to know that my pupils have been asked to do it. Though it comes at an exceptionally busy time as we are finishing routines for our show in April at the Towngate Theatre!”.

For anyone interested in attending classes, please email Julie@tiptoestageschool.co.uk or call 07940 521864.

Tickets for the school’s production “Shake it Out” can be bought direct from the Towngate Theatre box office on 01268 465465

TONY’S Cafe, on Derwent Parade, has been condemned by the authorities for being in breach of planning permission and owner, Imam Cayir has been ordered to stop cooking hot food on the premises and remove tables and chairs.

At last week’s full Council meeting Cllr Charles Curtis presented a petition with 780 signatures asking the Council to change the status of the shop from a Class Business One Use to Class Three.

He said: “I fully understand what the people of Belhus and South Ockendon are asking for. This is a very important hub of our community life. It is where both young and elderly come together for a cup or tea and a chat and more importantly a hot meal.

“The cafe employs four local people and had been operating as a class three premises without problems for nine years. It offers warmth and comfort for so many people living in our area.

“I sincerely hope that our officers can come together and make this happen sooner rather than later.”
At the cafe, customers spoke about why they want to to stay.

Ian Morrison, 59, from South Ockendon said: “I don’t see why they are shutting it down. There’s no reason for it.”

Tucking into a bacon sarnie, Mrs Joyce Markham, 92, South Ockendon: “It’s disgusting. It seems a stupid idea to me. The cafe is always busy, what’s the matter with them?

“They’ve been here nearly 10 years and now to suddenly shut it, well! You can always get a cooked meal. We’re in here twice a week and its ever so clean. It’s disgusting what the Council are doing.”

Her friend, Mrs Joan Merry, 83, said: “We’ve signed the petition and we hope it will help. We come whenever we can and when we go to the shops. It’s lovely.”

A week later – on Monday, 25 March – it will reopen in its specially created home at the brand-new South Ockendon Centre in nearby Derry Avenue, the former library building.

Founded in 1996, the forum will be joining the library, housing services and many others groups at the address and will continue to maintain a community-base for badly-needed support services.

Helen Saward, manager of the centre, said: “I’m delighted to be welcoming the forum into the centre.

“This is a totally new venture and a wonderfully innovative way for the local people to get the services they need.”

The scheme is a partnership between Thurrock Council, the local Council for Voluntary Services, and South Ockendon Community Forum aimed at finding different ways to help people tackle and solve problems.

If you would like to be part of the team at the centre and volunteer, contact ngage and register online for a chance to get involved.

The council’s cabinet agreed earlier in the year to make resident parking free in the Grays and Stanford-le-Hope areas where it charges and top consider introducing the new free scheme on the Flowers Estate in Ockendon and in other areas where residents fought with commuters to find space for car parking – such as Badgers’ Dene and Tilbury.

The free scheme is for up to two cars per household with permits for more vehicles having a charge.

The proposal is particularly pleasing for Conservative councillors, Lynn Carr and Barry Johnson, who have fought long and hard for such proposals.

Cllr Carr said: “I am very pleased. It has been a real concern for the residents of the Flowers Estate. In these hard times, it will really help everyone.”

At Wednesday (27 February) evening’s budget-setting meeting of the council, Leader Cllr John Kent explained that as “prudent” levels of reserves were secure, he could spend more than expected.

He said: “We have regularly had residents in Grays, Tilbury and Ockendon raising the problems caused by commuter parking. It is important that we do what we can to resolve these problems.”

Council agreed “officers be instructed to bring forward consultation and, if the consultation is positive, free resident parking schemes in those areas of Grays, Tilbury and Ockendon that have requested this in the past.

“Officers should first look to fund this from any unused prudential borrowing, secondly from any unused Highways Capital monies and failing that from corporate reserves.”

Cllr Kent said: “We have heard much talk about the need for such a scheme on the Flowers Estate. We will make it happen this year, if it is the wish of residents.”

Located on the South Ockendon Recreation Ground, near South Road, the new build has new changing rooms, toilets, a kitchen and lounge.

All this was part funded by the Veolia Mardyke Trust.

The pavilion had its windows smashed and damage caused to an outside tap and water tank.

The hub is used by a number of community groups including South Ockendon Bowls Club, Brandon Groves Football Club and Belhus Cricket Club.

A council spokesman said: “The outside of the building is covered by the council’s insurance but all of the inside is the responsibility of the community group committee to maintain.

“Repairs are being carried out and the external window is being replaced with toughened glass.”

The South Ockendon Centre is now fast taking shape and has been designed to include many of those ideas put forward during the consultation.

The new centre will incorporate library services as well as a wide variety of council and voluntary group services.

Cllr Lynn Worrall, Thurrock Council’s portfolio holder for Transformation and Community, said: “This is the first step in what will become a massive change to the way the council engages with local people.

“We asked what those in Ockendon and Belhus wanted and have tried to come up with something that provides most of that.

“But it is important to remember the council is having to change the way it works. This centre – and any other similar hubs we develop – will be somewhere where people are provided with the help they need to access the service themselves.”

When the centre opens, visitors will be greeted by volunteers who will help point them towards professional staff or provide signposting on who to contact and how to use computers if necessary.

Cllr Worrall added: “Working together; the voluntary sector, the public sector and the private sector can combine to offer a tremendous support network for the frail, elderly and vulnerable – somewhere for them to turn to.

“Community hubs will be much more than simple physical spaces – they will be a focal point enabling local people to take charge of local issues with the aim of preventing potential problems becoming real ones.

She said: “Obviously the role of the volunteers is another key to these centres. We already have a strong group at Ockendon, but we’re always on the lookout for more.”

Anyone interested should contact ngage on either 01375 389893 or info@ngagethurrock.org.uk; the South Ockendon Forum on 01708 852530 or theforum@socf.co.uk; or the Thurrock Council for Voluntary Services on 01375 389881 or via www.thurrockcvs.org”

Earlier in February Year 6 pupils at the Shaw Primary Academy in Avon Green, held a Poetry Workshop with poet Justin Coe. After a short explanation of the project and poetry, the children experienced the difficulty of having to create something for a specific purpose, rather than a self-inspired piece of art.

The poem will be “unveiled” at the official opening of the South Ockendon Centre in the spring, but it closes with the lines:

And maybe we can be a bit loud
But we are who we are
And we are proud

There was an oasis of calm on a Sunday afternoon recently when YT went along to Leatherland Lodge to speak to staff about what dignity means.

There was a lovely afternoon to co-incide with a national campaign.