News in Thurrock

CHILDREN at Thameside Primary School in Grays were thrilled to receive 20 brand new Chromebooks from the Grays Riverside Community Big Local today (Wednesday, 3 February).

The new devices will make a huge difference to children with no access to online learning or who are sharing one device between a family.

LED by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the nation paid tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore this evening with a community clap.

And at the Port of Tilbury the message of thanks for his service and inspiration shone out from the two Saga cruise ships currently laid up at the port.

A MAN hauled in by police in connection with a burglary ended up £10,000 out of pocket when it was found he was one of those behind the illegal party at East Horndon Church on New Year's Eve.

The 32-year-old man from Wickford was arrested on suspicion of burglary at Heathrow Airport yesterday (Tuesday 2 February). During the investigation he admitted being an organiser of the unlicensed music event at a disused church in East Horndon on New Year's Eve.

THURROCK MP Jackie Doyle-Price has congratulated local vaccination teams, and particularly the staff and volunteers at Basildon & Thurrock Hospital, after health minister Matt Hancock flagged up their efforts in the battle against Covid-19.

Mr Hancock, who visited the hospital last week, wrote to the Thurrock MP today (Wednesday, 3 February) to say: "I am writing to update you on the fantastic efforts of your local Covid vaccination teams. I am delighted to inform you that Basildon Hospital is one of the the highest performing Covid vaccination sites in the country.

AN inquest into the death of Thurrock businessman and TV celebrity Mick Norcross was opened and adjourned today (Wednesday, 3 February).

Mr Norcross, who found national fame by appearing for several series in the TV reality show 'The Only Way Is Essex' (TOWIE) was found dead at his home in Bulphan at on Thursday, 21 January and today Chelmsford Coroner's Court heard the 57-year-old was found hanged in the basement of his home on Brentwood Road.

TRIBUTES continue to flow more than two days after the death of celebrity Mick Norcross.

The Thurrock-boy-turned good who lived recent years of his life on the pages of tabloid newspapers and in the glare of the celebrity spotlight has left behind an army of grieving fans and friends who continue to reflect on the tragic nature of his death.

CHARGES for council care services in Thurrock are poised to shoot up by almost a third.

However, the increase will be phased in and will be means-tested says the borough's portfolio for adult social care who says the increase – the first for several years, has to happen to ensure the future of care at home in the borough and to reward the carers with a pay increase.

RESIDENTS at tower blocks in Grays have been told they can safely ignore a warning notice put through their letterboxes alleging there is an asbestos risk to their lives.

The anonymous notice has been posted at a number of high rise blocks in Grays, with a significant number distributed at Davall House.

LIBRARY users in Thurrock can benefit from a nationwide scheme aimed at tackling loneliness by starting conversations through reading.

Reading Friends launched in Thurrock today (Wednesday, 3 February) to reconnect adults, including readers and non-readers, with others and make new friends.

POLICE have reported that part of Dock Road in Grays is currently closed (17.45pm, Wednesday, 3 February) as a safety precaution while engineers deal with a gas leak.

It is closed between Arthur Street and Cement Block Cottages.