WE can all get a little hot under the collar from time to time, but the recent shenanigans at Thurrock Council have got to stop.

Two meetings having to be suspended for bad behaviour. That’s two meetings too many.

And f’ing and blinding from councillors among themselves, and more worrying towards the public gallery is not acceptable.

It all kicked off the other week when feelings about the controversial second Lower Thames Crossing coming to Thurrock came to the forefront.

Passions are obviously running high over this long standing issue, and certain councillors behaviours on the night didn’t add to the calm and considered thought and discussion needed on the night.

Poor mayor Tunde Ojetola was forced to draw an embarrassing line under events.

Then the chamber boiled up again.

Chaotic scenes saw, this time the full meeting of Thurrock Council, suspended. Again.

It has almost inevitably led to Thurrock councillors facing criticism over their ability to control themselves. Not a good advert for local democracy in the borough.

Tensions peaked over the controversial, so called "grass tax".

Various councillors weighed in on the night. The public gallery was again engaged in not the most appropriate exchanges with councillors.

Poor mayor Tunde was once again felt he had no option but to bring things to an abrupt, and untimely halt.

Let’s hope this is the end of it.

So our elected members will no doubt take time to reflect on these matters. And, of course, we look forward to lively and relevant debate at the forthcoming meetings. And we hope any childish antics are left where they belong…in the borough’s many playgrounds.