THURROCK Residents Action Group (TRAG) is the latest body fearing for its future as Thurrock Council considers its budgets.

Though it is yet to be confirmed, senior figures at TRAG say they are facing up to the probability that the money granted to them by the council will not be renewed in the coming months.

One TRAG insider said: "It seems that unless there is a miracle we will lose the funding. To be honest the move was not unexpected, you could say we are shocked but not surprised."

Coun Neil Rockliffe, chair of the grants panel, said that no decision had yet been made on any grants for the coming year, but refused to deny that the TRAG funding will be axed.

He said: "We consider applications for grants submitted by voluntary and sector groups as part of the annual grants process. We receive a number of competing bids each year for limited funds and have a standard practice of asking further questions to ensure that the right decision is made in the interest of the community.

"The council has a responsibility to ensure that taxpayers' funds are used properly. It has to consider whether the organisations involved represent the best interests of the community in Thurrock. The Grants Panel will next meet at the end of February and no decision on any grants will be made until then. Recommendations will be made to the Cabinet for a final decision.

"Groups and organisations that the Panel requires further information from have been approached and this information will be considered at the next Grants Panel meeting."

TRAG provides support to all resident groups including community forums and represents their interests to the council and other bodies such as the Urban Development Corporation (UDC).

It has also helped to create and sustain many of the 18 community forums that operate in the borough.