Cllr Lynn Worrall, Leader of Thurrock Council, said: “Over the last couple of weeks, as residents of Brisbane House have found themselves in an extremely difficult situation, and council officers have worked day and night to support them, I have seen really unhelpful misinformation circulating that I want to address publicly.
“Any emergency is challenging. By their very nature, emergencies require quick action and decision-making and it is rare for everything to go perfectly, especially when people are working long hours and through the night to do their very best for local people. But on the whole what I am hearing and have seen with my own eyes, is that the council has been supportive and kind, and really looked after our residents.
“I know the residents of Brisbane House are extremely grateful for the support the council has given them. Yes they are undrstandably upset and in some cases they are angry that they have had to leave their homes, but they and others have commented on what our local MP called the council’s ‘extraordinary effort’. Residents of course want answers about what happens next, and we’re working really hard to give them the certainty they need.
“We are continuing to work through the different and changing needs of each household, and support them with what they need until we can get them home. Decisions are being taken with residents and we are talking to them every day about what they want and need, whether that’s a change to the accommodation we’re providing; transport to school for children; vouchers for essentials; access to their property or anything else that is on their mind. Not all of this needs to be played out in public – these are people’s lives, and the council’s priority has been directly supporting our residents, not supplying a steady stream of updates to those who aren’t affected.
“We have set out below the facts – the work we’ve done, the work we are planning to do, and the support we have given to residents. Hopefully this will help to set the record straight and counter some of the rumours and unhelpful misinformation that is being shared.
“I would like to again thank the families and residents of Brisbane House for their patience and the constructive way they are working with us as we do everything we can to resolve this situation.”
More information about what has happened and what will happen at Brisbane House is available her