THURROCK Conservative Leader and Environment Spokesman is again calling for the Highways Agency to take action on the lay-bys on the Dock Approach Road Tilbury.
Cllr Rob Gledhill said "For years Thurrock Conservatives have been calling for regular clean ups on all roads under the responsibility of the Highways Agency. This culminated in Conservatives meeting with them and receiving promises of action. The reality is Dock Road traveling to Little Thurrock appears to be the exception. The pile of rubbish at the end of the lay by is significant and the stench is beyond description."
Thurrock Conservatives have repeatedly raised the issue of the Highways Agency not cleaning the areas of highway they have responsibility for. This came to a head earlier this year when former Conservative Environment spokesperson Cllr Pauline Tolson made it clear either they clean up their stretch of roads or they would face court action to force the issue. This led to high level discussions and promises of action.
Rob added "I have asked council officers if they can clean this rubbish up and charge the Highways Agency; we have done it before and I do not see why we shouldn’t do it again. It is unfair that taxpayers’ money is paid to the Highways Agency and they are not delivering, why should residents have to take a deep breath and rush through piles of rubbish to get to Asda or back? This rubbish doesn’t miraculously appear, it is left by those using the lay by. The Council has supplied a number of bins but it appears those using the lay by refuse to walk the 100 yards to sensibly dispose of their rubbish. I have asked, and will be working with Council Officers, to see what more can be done and will be making it clear to the Highways Agency – take action or we will!"
