A COUNCIL meeting descended into farce last night when the public and press were expelled from a debate over a new housing development in Tilbury.

The item up for discussion was land on St Chad’s Road, and whether it should be transferred across to the council’s housing arm Gloriana for the construction of 128 homes – a development which already has planning permission.

Under local government law, items at council meetings which involve the discussion of local authorities’ finances can be held in private and away from the ears of the public. The debate over the St Chad’s Road site was to include details of the figures involved with buying the land.

Tory leader Councillor Rob Gledhill challenged the ruling by saying the public should be entitled to know how their money is being spent.

Council leader Councillor John Kent argued that the publication of the information and figures could disadvantage the council in the future when talking with developers, potentially costing the council “millions”. He added it was in the best interests of the authority to have the session in private.

After a vote, where Ukip members backed their Labour counterparts, about 40 members of the public and press were move out into the foyer of the Civic Centre where they waited for over 30 minutes for the discussion to take place.

While waiting, Tory Councillor James Halden came out to address the waiting crowd to apologise Mr Halden said: “On behalf of the Conservative group, I apologise that Labour and Ukip have voted to exclude you from seeing how your money will be spent and how your services will be run.

“Please excuse me – I need to return to the chamber to vote.”

Whatever was said in that chamber, it appears building will go ahead. Councillor Lynn Worrall, in charge of housing, tweeted this morning: “Pleased to say that the construction of 128 homes on the old St Chad’s site starts over the next few weeks. Thurrock Labour building for you.”