These
non-traditional built houses were built for rent by Thurrock Council
in the 1950s. As structural problems developed, government grants
were made available to tenants who had bought their council house
(under the tenants 'Right to Buy' scheme). Examples where some
owners took up the offer of the grant to build a new brick skin
over the old concrete panels show quite starkly next to their
original neighbours.
Ridgwell
Avenue was named after Thomas Ridgwell, a local fruit and veg.
producer who formed 'Ridgwell Bros.' in 1885. The company sold
locally grown produce on its stall in Spitalfields market, London.
There are 10 Ridgwell graves in the graveyard of the local church
where Thomas was Churchwarden and Choirmaster for many years.
