JUST a few years ago, Conservative-run Thurrock Council was boasting of “game changing” improvements to Grays Riverside, which included an activity centre, an updated Grays Beach Riverside Park with new attractions and outside entertainment space.
Fast forward three years and, as two Grays Councillors found when they visited the park last week, the reality was very different.
The Councillors inspected the park after being alerted to its poor condition by constituents. To their dismay they discovered a park ravaged by neglect. The saw fenced off areas, and damaged fencing; weed infested flower beds and overgrown grass areas; the burnt-out wreckage of a motorcycle and vandalised signage.
Grays Riverside Labour Councillor Val Morris-Cook said.
“It’s supposed to be Love Parks Week, but the state of Grays Riverside Beach Park is shocking.
“This used to be the ‘Jewel in The Crown’ of Thurrock parks, but it’s showing little sign of being loved by Thurrock Council, instead, it looks very neglected and distinctly un-loved.
“People once visited in their droves to enjoy this park; it was a major attraction for local families. There was no better place for local families to go on hot summer days.
“Now as they battle against the cost-of-living crisis, it should be a magnet for local families looking for inexpensive entertainment for their kids.
Fellow Grays Riverside Labour Councillor Martin Kerin added:
“Since we raised our concerns with officers, some remedial work is being done, but why wasn’t this park already in a programme, after all, it’s no secret that local children are on their 6-week summer break.
“Just a few years ago Tory councillors, and the Tory MP were boasting about their plans for new improvements, but like everything else these individuals promise, it never happens.
What do you expect from this Tory run Council. Can spend millions on a new office. But can’t look after the green spaces.