The leader of the council has confirmed that the businesses will be provided with replacement premises if they are willing to relocate.

Several businesses are facing uncertain futures after it was revealed they will be demolished during the Civic Centre revamp. 

Conservative Councillor and leader of Thurrock Council, Rob Gledhill confirmed that offers will be made but did not provide any details and businesses say they have not been told.

Mr Gledhill went on to slam Councillor John Kent for opposing the expansion and accused him of having “political amnesia” because half of the funding is coming from a £4.8million renovations budget that he approved as when he was leader of the council.

The rest of the money will be coming from the sale of the older half of the civic centre, which will be transformed into flats.

Thurrock Gazette:

“Councillor Kent knows full well this went through the Labour chaired overview and scrutiny committee who were happy for this to move forward,” he said.

“He also knows full well that there will be replacement premises for anyone wishing to relocate, he knows full well that he whole of Grays High Street and not just the shopping area needs regenerating and knows full well he put the majority of the funding forward for this under his administration.”

Mr Kent, who has been taking the petition to households in the area, is urging the Conservative administration to scrap the plans entirely.

“Businesses like the Angel Café are, rightly, angry at the way Thurrock Council is treating them,” he said.

“There are four people employed by the café yet the council hasn’t yet spoken to them at all – despite the fact they are only a few yards away.

“I support Sadik and his petition – spending £10 million on building swanky new council offices just can’t be justified. Thurrock Conservatives should see sense and ditch this plan, now.”