ON Sunday, September 19, I was privileged to attend a commemoration of the Battle of Britain to mark the 70th anniversary in Grays.

It was very well done, the military associations were represented, our local services and our mayor Anne Cheale and our MP Jackie Doyle-Price all joined to honour those who fought.

I can remember those days here in Thurrock, and probably there are thousands who also remember.

We were a prime target to the Germans, there were the docks at Tilbury and along the river, the vital oil installations and all the industry.

Thurrock people worked long hours in constant danger to keep this country going and to repel the very real threat of invasion, indeed many lost their lives.

But what came as a huge blow to me was, apart from our mayor and one other councillor, the council was missing altogether.

That is an utter disgrace and shows complete disrespect for the great people in this borough.

There are always some people who are dealing with their own private grief or troubles who can’t get there. I don’t wish to offend them, but where were the others? Where was the council leader or leader of the opposition?

But most important of all, where were our highly paid officials of the council?

They could not give a damn about us, all they do is pocket their money. This was a very important occasion and they all showed their contempt. – RAY ANDREWS, Grays End Close, Grays.