AN organisation that pumps millions of pounds into Thurrock has settled its differences with the council over a row that threatened to cost the borough hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Cory Environmental Trust gives money to the borough to be spent for the good of the community, but claimed Thurrock Council was not looking after the sites it has contributed towards.

Bosses at Cory said they gave a £250,000 grant towards Grays Wharf, but because it was not open to the public, they asked for the money back. Now an amicable solution appears in sight.

The council has issued a statement saying the problems have been resolved and Geoff Howell, from Cory, confirmed the trust had received assurances.

Mr Howell said: "The problem of Grays Wharf is the need to ensure the Environment Agency is satisfied measures are in place to close the floodgates at times of risk when high tides are expected.

"The floodgates have been closed from time to time by the Environment Agency, apparently without telling the council, and the agreement should overcome this problem.

"The public will be able to regain access.

"We are told the Grays Beach site now has an agreed budget that should enable the park to receive the attention we had hoped for."