IT'S been a week dominated by the scorching temperatures in Thurrock, with a number of field fires causing considerable local concern but they were all dwarfed by Tuesday's horrific fire on the borough border at Wennington, which saw a number of houses destroyed.

Aside from the implications of the weather, residents were also shocked by news of attacks on swans and cygnets at the Chafford Hundred Gorges nature reserve.

The borough has also been the focus of national news attention, following publication of damning news reports about Thurrock Council's financial situation.

The council looks set to have a shortfall of around £200 million, which will have to be compensated for in future budgets after perceived failures in the authority's controversial 'borrow to invest' policy.

The story continues to run and both the borough MP Jackie Doyle-Price and Labour opposition leader Cllr John Kent have not been shy in coming forward to criticise the council.

Another extremely controversial decision has been the green light given to a new school plan in Aveley.

Nub News has also been on the ball in highlighting a serious issue regarding the delays in processing trials at the region's county courts. Two women in Grays have been assaulted by a man who police officers said should be locked up – but the courts let roam free.

Tributes have been paid this week to a former borough councillor who has died. Graham Hamilton was described as a decent, ordinary citizen who helped achieve an impossible dream.

The blight of environmental campaigners blocking borough roads returned this past week, with a major protest on the M25 at the Dartford crossing delaying motorists for many hours.

And Nub News is delighted to promote – as the story of the week – the inspirational youngster Dottie Rees.