Acting on complaints from residents, Thurrock Council has successfully brought a prosecution against a nuisance scaffolding company which has cost them more than £1,000 in fines and costs.

NXT GEN Scaffolding pleaded guilty at Southend Magistrates Court on Wednesday 23 September for breaching notices served in December last year to cease out-of-hours movements of vehicles entering and leaving Stanhope Industrial Estate in Wharf Road, Stanford-le-Hope.

Council planning enforcement officers caught the scaffolding company on CCTV after continued anti-social activity sparked complaints from residents living nearby. Magistrates fined the scaffolding company, which is no longer based at the estate, £650 and ordered the company to pay £350 in costs, to be awarded to the council, and a £65 victim surcharge. The council’s court costs were also covered.

Cllr Rob Gledhill, Leader of Thurrock Council, said: “Where we can take action we will, and this prosecution sends out a clear message to drivers and companies that we do not tolerate this public nuisance. We will pursue cases further with those who ignore enforcement action and numerous warnings.

“Thank you to local residents for reporting out-of-hours activity at the Stanhope Industrial Estate which has in this instance allowed us to bring the case before the court.

“It is not acceptable for residents to be disturbed by driving breaches made outside specified days and times and, where possible, we will continue to work with any affected residents to take appropriate action.”

To report out-of-hours HGV and lorry movements, go to thurrock.gov.uk/planning-enforcement