A special group will be set up to probe mysterious dust covering homes and cars in Tilbury.

Concerned residents brought it to the council’s attention demanding an investigation was launched.

It is thought hundreds of people are affected and the council believes it is dust from a metal recycling plant in the area.

The issue was brought up at full council meeting.

Aaron Watkins, councillor for the environment said: “I can appreciate why you and residents would be concerned. The council has been consulting with the environment agency about this for some time, tests were carried out by the environment agency and the results have stated it is iron oxide.

“The dust from that seems to be coming from European Metal Recycling, and possibly other companies.

“The council’s public health team have consulted with Public Health England and its specialists about the test results and have advised that although residents will find it concerning it does not pose a direct risk to health.

“European Metal Recycling are regulated by the environment agency and not the council but we do have regular contact with the agency about it.

“We will be creating a steering group in relation to this whereby this group will ensure that pressure is put on the environment agency to make sure European Metal Recycling are following the recommendations which environment agency have said need to be conducted.

“The council is taking this seriously and we will get this steering group up and running.”

Luke Spillman, Thurrock Independents councillor, said he is also working to get meetings set up into the findings.

He said: “I will be holding a meeting with the council’s head of public health and the resident who spoke at the meeting to discuss this issue.

“I definitely support the steering group suggested by councillor Watkins at the meeting.

“I lived in Tilbury and know about the issue, it has been going on for some time now.

“I want to make sure there are assurances for the public that the dust is not harmful to them.

“It is quite bad.”

A spokesperson for European Metal Recycling, said: “EMR has rigorous environmental controls in place on site including water-based dust suppression cannons and road-sweepers.

“We already work closely with the Environment Agency and the Port of Tilbury to ensure that we operate to the highest environmental standards. We take our health, safety and environmental management responsibilities towards our staff, visitors and community very seriously. We will be happy to engage further with the Environment Agency, Local Government and the local community to provide the reassurance that we are not the source of these dust complaints.”