Thurrock Council Leader has expressed how "appalled" he is after an Iceland lorry was pictured using parking space reserved only for the Fire Services.

Councillor Rob Gledhill wrote a strongly-worded letter to the Chief Executive of Iceland Foods Ltd on Thursday this week, explaining his concerns following the incident outside a block of flat in Tilbury.

In the letter Malcolm Walker, Councillor Gledhill requests that Iceland apologises to the Fire Service for actions that he deemed "totally unacceptable."

Leader of the Council, Cllr Rob Gledhill said: “I was appalled when I saw the picture.

“The driver is clearly in a prohibited zone – demonstrated by the fact that there are signs up and yellow markings not to mention the fire engine parked next to the van.

“I can only assume that the driver had no consideration to the fire risk he was presenting to save himself a slightly longer walk.

“It is completely unacceptable and I’m calling for Iceland to make a public apology to those residents and to Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.

"Council officers have also been reminded to advise residents and visitors that they cannot park in these areas for any length of time or for any reason.

"As the large yellow hatched area isn't sufficient warning for some, we will be putting up further signage as well as regular visits from our parking enforcement team to leave penalty notices on those who still don't get the message."
 

Iceland have been contacted for a response by the Gazette.