ANGRY binmen united to stage a protest at the civic offices in Grays. Over 30 waste trucks caused traffic chaos as they fought to line up near the council offices in New Road to start the protest at about 9am on Tuesday morning.

Workers came together off their own backs to fight claims they say were “false and unfounded” by Cllr Mike Revell, cabinet member for the environment.

Spokesman for the workers, Billy Spencer, 49, of Stifford Clays, said: “We all feel we needed to act after seeing Cllr Revell’s comments, basically saying we are lazy and would not grit the roads.

“It is in our contracts – we wanted to grit, but the council could not give us grit or shovels to do the job. “We are worried about working conditions and believe his comments are unfounded – he is doing it for political reasons.

” In the letter put together by the workforce, it states they have “no confidence in Cllr Mike Revell”. Letters were handed to opposition Labour representatives at the protest.

They were also due to be delivered to all Thurrock councillors at the full council meeting on Wednesday night.

Prospective Labour MP Carl Morris said: “They are concerned about their working conditions and they are quite right to protest.

They feel they are not being listened to.” Cllr Revell said: “I am disappointed that the Veolia work force felt the need to demonstrate at the council offices.

“Clearly I cannot comment on the letter since I have not received a copy. I should make it quite clear that I have never criticised our work force.

“I have recommended the sedentary members of the council should spend an hour on our collection vehicles to understand what a demanding job it is.

“I have been deeply disappointed that the Labour party have not been prepared to have a dialogue on these matters at this late hour and that now they have now chosen to demonstrate.

“It is understandable workers feel apprehensive about change, but I am confident the new contracts are good for the council, good for the residents and good for the employees.”