Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle-Price has praised volunteers who are rolling up their sleeves to clean up Grays.

The group, who have called themselves Grays Phoenix, plan to clean up Grays, and have first adopted a park area which has fallen into disrepair close to the Wharf pub.

This weekend saw a number of volunteers cutting back where it had become overgrown and ridding the site of rubbish. Once they have completed their work there, they plan to look at other sites.

Jackie Doyle-Price said, “I would like to congratulate those who have taken the initiative to set up this project.

"Over and over again I hear people complain about the state of Grays, and it is very inspiring when people decide to get up and do something about it.

"We can all complain but we all have a role in making Thurrock be the best it can be. I hope that more people will be inspired to do a bit.

"Where street cleansing has been neglected by the Council, community action can deal with the problem and instil a sense of pride to keep an area clean once it has been cleaned up.”

If anyone would like to volunteer to help Grays Phoenix, either through time, or by donating tools and equipment, they can be contacted via Facebook or by email graysphoenix2015@gmail.com