THURROCK’s council boss has spoken of his disappointment at the borough being plunged into Tier 3.

Leader of Thurrock Council, Rob Gledhill, said: “This is not the decision any of us were hoping for, but the increasing rate of community transmission across the south east has led to some of the highest positive test rates in the country, which has meant the government has taken the decision to place Thurrock as well as most of Essex and all of London into Tier 3 restrictions.

“In contrast to the tier decision before the last lockdown I have not been consulted by the Government on this decision or been given the opportunity to discuss the local position with ministers, which is most disappointing.

“This was not the most desirable outcome to say the least and it will be a big blow to many including to our hospitality sector and the supply chain. I will be working with partners in our local area to move out of Tier 3 as quickly as possible.

“We are now operating three Mobile Testing Units in Grays, Tilbury and Corringham and we are urging all parents and carers of children aged 11 to 18 to book slots for a Covid-19 test even if they display no symptoms. There has been fantastic take up of this offer over the weekend and we are working with the Government and Public Health England to identify more suitable sites.

“There have been calls for the council to shut schools but this is not a decision for the council and rests on the shoulders of the academy head teachers. But whilst this appears a simple solution it would have a further impact.”