THREE Thurrock secondary schools have been declared “outstanding” by Ofsted, the Government inspectorate.

THURROCK Council say that changes in the way its Development Control Service deals with applications have led to significant improvements in its performance.

New processes and procedures, combined with the scrutiny of the council's Performance and Improvement Committee, have seen the time taken to deal with applications fall, with over 90 per cent now being determined within Government timescales.

Councillor Garry Hague, Thurrock’s Cabinet member for Strategic Planning and Regeneration said: “These improvements are a crucial part of the council’s on-going enhancements in customer care that are being delivered in conjunction with service users and members.

“Speed of decision making support by a swift service is a key issue for our customers. “The performance levels we are achieving in Thurrock are among the best in the country and I wish to see those levels sustained and improved upon as the Service moves forward.”

Councillor Rob Gledhill, chair of the Council's Performance and Improvement Committee, added: “The committee and I are delighted that the improvement plan put in place is working and that this aspect of the Service has improved to become one of the best in the country.

“We all look forward to the other improvements planned achieving the same success.”