AN organisation that has pumped millions of pounds into Thurrock has asked for £250,000 of it back, because it is concerned the council is not maintaining the facilities it has funded.

Cory Environmental Trust gives money to the borough which is meant to be spent for the good of the community.

But it says Thurrock Council is not looking after the sites it has contributed towards. Bosses at Cory say they have given a £250,000 grant towards Grays Wharf.

But it is not open to the public and the organisation has now asked for the money back.

They have also said they may ask for a £1.3million refund over Grays beach, because the children's play facility has been left in a run down state.

Trust secretary Geoff Howell highlighted his concerns in a response to questions from councillor Carl Morris.

Mr Howell wrote that the trust, which starting making donations in 1997, had given £4.5million directly to the council.

"It transpired that the wharf area had come under the control of Bellway Homes, who had developed new housing around the site," his letter said.

"Despite the terms of the planning permission requiring public access and its contract with Cory Trust, the council had taken no action to reopen this public amenity."

Mr Howell confirmed the trust had asked the council for the return of its grant of £250,000 for the Wharf development.

Mr Howell also described Grays beach as a flagship site for the borough in its early years.

But it had deteriorated, attractions had been allowed to break down and the park had lost its prestigious Green Flag status.

He said the trust was considering what action to take about the beach's deterioration and its future, and up to £1.3million could be repayable if the council did not fulfil its obligations.

Thurrock Council corporate director Mr Newman said in a letter: "The Cory Environmental Trust had not shared the contents of its letter to councillor Morris with the council.

"Generally, the letter complains about a number of issues it has previously taken up with the council and fails to acknowledge much of the work the council has carried out to meet these concerns.

"The council acknowledges the importance of Grays beach, particularly in respect of the amenity it provides to residents of Grays and Thurrock as a whole."