THURROCK Council has been criticised for not helping 40 horses left on flooded land by a Ingatestone sanctuary boss.

Sue Burton, manager at the Remus Horse Sanctuary, called on the authority to take action and help the horses on Mardyke Valley which has been affected by flooding.

Ms Burton said: "Thurrock Council has responsibilities and they are choosing to turn a blind eye and drag their feet on this issue.

"It has to stop now and they have to accept responsibility or be held responsible for their lack of action for these horses.”

A council spokesman said: “In the longer term the council acknowledges the land needs to be more intensively managed than its resources allow.

"An environmental organisation would be better placed to do this and the council is moving ahead with plans to change the arrangements in the New Year - although it is likely to take several months to complete."