Councillors said "great strides have been made" in Grays as they reported signs of economic progress around Thurrock on Wednesday, as well as the launch of a new bus route at Lakeside.

Speaking at Wednesday's full council meeting, Councillor Richard Speight, portfolio holder for regeneration and planning, said the council was working hard to improve public transport connections around the borough, as well as looking at forward plans for Grays and Purfleet and Lakeside.

Mr Speight said Lakeside continued to be a "vital part of Thurrock's economic picture" and spoke of plans to encourage people to use public transport in and out of the basin.

Part of these plans have included a new bus route around Lakeside which was launched this month - as well as a plan to bring the bus station closer to the footbridge to Chafford Hundred railway station.

Two of Ensign's existing routes 44 and X80 have been altered to go into Lakeside via Tesco as the link road has now been completed.

Mr Speight said: “Lakeside continues to be an absolutely vital part of Thurrock’s economic picture, employing thousands of people and bringing in thousands more to shop in the borough.

“The council is working with intu to facilitate their plans for an improved retail and leisure offer on site.

“Also particularly of interest to the council is the improvement of public transport connections around the basin. This month saw the start of the Lakeside link bus service to transport shoppers around the shopping centre and retail park.

“We are also leading on a project to bring the bus station closer to the footbridge to Chafford Hundred railway station, to encourage more people to travel onwards by public transport.”

Mr Speight also spoke of Purfleet, describing it as a “highlight, not just in Thurrock but nationwide” and saying: “Purfleet Centre Regeneration Ltd has identified and signed up with a funding partner, London and Quadrant, who will not only bring capital, but also expertise in place-making to the project.”

He said: “This project has been bubbling under the surface for the last few years, but expect big strides next year.

“Elsewhere in Purfleet, as a council we have supported the development of one of the seven national colleges at High House Production Park which promises to further strengthen the emerging culture and media hub we have in the west of the borough and we’re working with partners in the Local Enterprise Partnership to draw in more funds to further support this.”

Mr Speight also spoke of the “great strides” made in “delivering the vision for Grays” where “the increased footfall in the town centre has been pivotal in attracting major businesses like Weatherspoon’s to the town, with the accompanying benefits to regeneration”.

He said: “We hope that the opening of the new Magistrates’ Court business centre will further attract new commercial enterprises into Grays again.

“What is happening in Grays town centre is a great example of the virtuous circle active regeneration can bring. By intervening in a measured and strategic way, we’ve been able to improve the use of the area, attract new business and development and hopefully this will itself lead to further development.

"Though we’ve been successful in Grays, the work doesn’t just stop. We will continue to try to help shape the high street and town centre into a place people can be proud of.

“In the east of the borough, we continue to work with both Thames Enterprise Park, in supporting the sale of the site and with London Gateway, in bringing in new businesses to the logistics park. It is fair to say that growth has been slower at the logistics park than any of us would have liked, but the recent announcement of UPS as a tenant is a positive sign.

“The council will be working with DP World and local schools to make sure that Thurrock residents have the skills needed to get the jobs that will be created.”