South Chafford Becomes Chafford West ward

Thurrock is undergoing a significant reshaping of its electoral map following a review by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE). The changes, which come into effect for the May 2026 local elections, are designed to ensure fairer representation across the borough as population levels continue to shift.

One of the most notable adjustments is the transformation of the South Chafford ward. Under the new arrangements, the area will now be known as Chafford Hundred West. This change reflects updated boundaries that more accurately align with the modern layout and community identity of Chafford Hundred.

The LGBCE review aimed to balance the number of electors represented by each councillor, improve clarity in ward geography, and strengthen local accountability. As part of this process, several ward names across Thurrock have been updated to better reflect the communities they serve.

For residents, the renaming of South Chafford to Chafford Hundred West marks more than a cosmetic change. It represents a shift toward clearer, more intuitive ward identities that match how people describe and understand their neighbourhoods. The new ward will elect two councillors, ensuring representation that keeps pace with the area’s growth.

As Thurrock prepares for the next election cycle, these boundary updates aim to create a more balanced and transparent democratic framework—one that reflects the borough’s evolving communities and supports effective local governance.

Transportation and Highways and Environment update from meeting

Transportation and Highways
- the resurfacing works on Lancaster Road were successfully completed
- the ball was removed from the cone on Fleming Road. The illuminated bollard at this location is scheduled for replacement - hence why the cone is still there.
- we are conducting a lantern replacement programme on street lights across the Borough. The streetlight in question should be operational within the next two weeks.
- the parked van did not exceed 7.5 tonnes in weight - hence we were unable to follow the process recommended to secure its removal. To the best of our knowledge it is not contravening any current regulation.
- the pedestrian crossing arrangements at the roundabout by Harris Primary are being monitored by our Traffic Team. The current arrangements comply with government guide lines.

Environment

We are very happy to work with residents of Chafford Hundred and look to improve/tailor our services, but that has got to be in light of the understand that we do have less resources than we used to.

Happy to answer any other questions, attend the forum again or arrange a walk about with Cllrs/Residents.

Residents' Update - November 2011

Dear Residents
I thought to keep you posted about 2 important issues in Chafford:
1. Essex Savers Credit Union. Chafford Hundred now has a new collection point for the Credit Union at the Beacon Centre. The venue was launched by local MP Jackie Doyle-Price on Saturday 19th November. You can visit the venue on Wednesday and Saturday to join to either save or seek a loan.
2. Lets Talk event, Chafford Hundred: Chief Executive and Cabinet of Thurrock to visit Chafford Hundred. They are due to visit Chafford on the next round of 'Let's Talk - Thurrock's Future'. The meeting is taking place on 6 December 2011.
The meeting will take place at Warren Primary School, at 7pm. Turn up to ask any question you have, e.g. weight limit on Devonshire Road, closing Chafford Library, etc.
Regards

Cllr Tunde Ojetola
South Chafford Ward
Thurrock Council
http://cllrtunde.blogspot.com/
07795-644-355 (evenings)

Chafford Residents Update - Sept 2011

Chafford Hundred Park - Opening

Dear All,


After a long campaign for an area for Youths to play, in conjunction with Chafford Community Forum, I am pleased to invite you to the official opening of Chafford Hundred Park, Rainbow Road (see attached picture)

Time: 11am
Date: Monday, 25 July 2011

Feel free to bring along a picnic and spend some time in the park. Lets hope for very good weather.
Regards
Cllr Tunde Ojetola

£0.5m Chafford Hundred forum park bid

Chafford Hundred Community Forum, backed by your Councillors (Garry, Simon, Stephen and I) and Thurrock Council, recently launched the project to transform a piece of derelict land in Chafford Hundred into a new park for the local community.

The land, adjacent to Rainbow Road and Warren Lane hasn't been used for over a decade and is overgrown with weeds and shrubs. Plans include turning the land into a beautiful park with a nature area, play equipment, and an 'outdoor gym' with fitness equipment. It will be fully accessible to disabled children and adults.

Chair of Chafford Hundred Community Forum, Philomena Cleavely said: "I have lived and campaigned for Chafford for 13 years and we are now so close in achieving a fantastic park facility - something that we desperately need for this area.

Happy New Year

Dear Residents

Compliments of the season to each and every resident.

I know that there are loads of issues in the community, and followers of this blog will be aware of various updates.

Please contact me if you want more information about developments in your locality for me to keep you posted.

This year is an election year for Thurrock, so Chafford Hundred (Drake Road side) will have the opportunity to choose their councillor in May.

As we begin the year, I will be following up the Chief Executive on the issues raised at his tour of Chafford - and I will keep you posted via this blog. As per normal, I have an open door for residents to contact me or for me to come round to help resolve issues, so please feel free to contact me.

Happy new year.

Tunde Ojetola

Chafford Hundred Community Forum Meeting - Monday 12th July

Dear residents,

Thank you to everyone that attended our AGM on 18th May 2010 - the minutes from this meeting are now on our website www.chaffordhundredcf.org.uk

We would like to invite you to the next Chafford Hundred Community Forum public meeting:

DATE: Monday 12th July
TIME: 8.00pm to 9.30pm
VENUE: Chafford Gorges Visitors Centre, Drake Road, Chafford Hundred

AGENDA:
- New park at Rainbow Road update
- Chafford Hundred Fun Day 2010
- Allotments - we have seventeen names for allotments - we have an opportunity as we have been given a possible site - so if you have put your name down, or if you are interested in having an allotment on this estate, please attend this meeting

This meeting is open to all residents of Chafford Hundred and North Stifford.

Chafford Hundred Community Forum AGM

DEAR RESIDENTS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF CHAFFORD HUNDRED COMMUNITY FORUM

VENUE: CHAFFORD GORGES VISITORS CENTRE, DRAKE ROAD
DATE: TUESDAY 18TH MAY 2010
TIME: 8.00PM - 9.30PM

THIS MEETING IS OPEN TO ALL RESIDENTS OF CHAFFORD HUNDRED AND NORTH STIFFORD AND WILL INCLUDE A PRESENTATION BY NATIONAL GRID.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THE FORUM OR WANT TO JOIN THE EXECUTIVES PLEASE COME ALONG

COUNCILLORS AND THE POLICE WILL ALSO BE PRESENT

No Change to Chafford Library Opening Hours

Residents may be aware that Thurrock Council recently consulted staff and users about Library opening hours.

The consultation has now concluded and the decision has been taken to change all Thurrock libraries opening hours to 10am with the exception of Chafford Hundred library.

The libraries affected are: Belhus, Chadwell, Corringham, East Tilbury, Grays and Tilbury. The change will take effect on Monday 1st February 2010.

Please contact me if you have any queries.

Community Cohesion Conference at Campus

Thursday 9th July 09

"Community Cohesion through International and Global dimensions" was the very apt topic of the Conference at Campus.

Guests and speakers came from across England, from the British Council, to officers from Gloucester Council, Thurrock Council, MP, Councillors (including me) etc all attended to celebrate with Chris Tomlinson (the Head Teacher), Staff and Students of the School for their 6th Place position as the best School in England.

There were speeches, rapping, translations, exhibitions and food. It went a long way to put Chafford Hundred Campus, and indeed Thurrock on the Map. Some of the guests at my table were from Harlow in Essex, while others were from much further north.

Welldone to Junerose Palmer (teacher and conference organiser) for a wonderfully organised conference.

This is another first from Chafford Hundred Campus, a good example which British Council and the Education Authorities are keen should be taken up in Thurrock. Rightly so.

Overnight lorry park rejected

PLANS for a secure overnight lorry park have been rejected by Thurrock Council’s planning committee.

The plan submitted by Lanpro Services on land opposite the A13 and Arterial Road in North Stifford were universally criticised by the planning committee and ward councillor for Chafford and North Stifford, Councillor Neil Rockliffe, at a meeting of the planning committee on Thursday.

The application includes the formation of an access road and associated facilities buildings.

Coun Rockliffe said: “There are a number of concerns I have regarding the noise and potential for such a facility to attract anti-social behaviour.

“This facility would cause an increase in traffic.”

Committee member Coun Barrie Lawrence stressed that Thurrock does need an overnight lorry park but said the proposed site was not suitable.

He added: “We understand there’s a need for a lorry park somewhere in this borough of ours because we only have to look around at night at the lorries scattered about in inappropriate places making the lives of residents hell.

“This is not the right site the implications for residents living nearby and farther afield would be dire.”

The application will now be brought before the planning committee of the Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation.

Council Cracks Benefit Fraud

A Chafford Hundred resident has admitted four counts of benefit fraud totalling an overpayment of nearly £11,000.

The Resident(name withheld)aged 37, pleaded guilty at Grays Magistrate Court on February 12, 2009.

The Resident was sentenced to a two-year probation supervision order and has to complete 300 hours unpaid community work and repay the overpaid benefit within the first 12 months and was also ordered to pay £461 in court costs.

Cabinet member for Public Protection, Cllr Ben Maney, said: "The council will continue to crack down on the minority of residents who attempt to defraud the system.

"We will persist in sending the message out that benefit cheats will be found and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Anyone wishing to report suspicion of benefit fraud can call the council's hotline on 01375 652157.