News in Thurrock

THURROCK council has defending its track record of enforcing HGV traffic rules in South Ockendon, despite admitting that out of 2,041 HGV penalty charge notices handed out by its enforcement notices across the borough just 12 have been in the truck-blighted town.

Meanwhile the firm put in the eye of the storm of criticism from a cross party group of South Ockendon's six councillors and residents says it is doing its best to mitigate problems.

A SECOND councillor has called on the borough council to reverse a littering ticket given to an elderly man who does not speak English and was unaware of local by-laws – and in the wake of publicity over the affair another story taking Thurrock Council to the lowest depts. Of compassion has emerged.

Yesterday (Thursday, 21 January) Thurrock Nub News reported on the £150 fine dished out to Aveley resident Raimund Voronovic who unknowingly fell foul of the council's privately-operated enforcement patrols when he dropped a cig butt.

TWO Thurrock councillors, including a member of its cabinet have criticised decision that have allowed a film crew on cast of around 150 people to descend on the borough for three days to film a new TV series.

Yesterday (Thursday, 21 January) Thurrock Nub News reported on the pending arrival of the team producing a new streaming channel TV series called Tailspin. It tells the story of five people, who wake up one morning to find themselves implicated in a ruthless kidnapping operation following the disappearance of the Iranian Defence Minister.

SEVEN men have today been jailed today for their roles in the people smuggling ring that brought about the deaths of of 39 Vietnamese nationals whose bodies were discovered in West Thurrock in October 2019.

The men appeared at the Old Bailey today (Friday, 22 January). Among them was resident of Tilbury who was jailed for three years.

CONCERNED residents in Thurrock Council homes that are being renovated have been reassured after expressing concerns about Covid-19 and also the danger of their homes being affected by inclement winter weather.

The council are undertaking a renovation project at many homes in the area of South Ockendon around Afton Drive and Alwen Grove including Dart Green under its Transforming Homes Programme.

CASES of Covid-19 in Thurrock have dropped significantly as the effects of the latest lockdown appear to be making an impact.

From a rate of 1,334 cases per 100,000 population in the first week of January, latest figures show the number to down to 746 per 100,000 though the borough is still one of the highest ranked in the wider region.

TRIBUTES have been paid locally this evening to Mick Norcross, the Thurrock boy made good who became a nationwide celebrity.

Mr Norcross, 57, was found dead at his home in Bulphan today (Thursday, 21 January) and villagers there have spoken of their shock at the news and have paid tribute to his generosity.

THE death has been confirmed this evening of celebrity, nightclub owner, property developer and businessman Mick Norcross.

Police and emergency services have been at his Bulphan home. Essex Police said in a statement: "We were called to an address in Brentwood Road, Bulphan shortly before 3.15pm on Thursday, 21 January.

A FILM crew making a movie will be out and about in Grays tomorrow (Friday, 22 January) despite concerns being raised about possible breaches of Covid-19 guidelines.

Officers at Thurrock Council were quizzed this afternoon after residents and councillors became aware of the pending arrival of the film crew, who will be based at Blackshots.

A NEW walk-through coronavirus testing facility opened today (Thursday, 21 January) for those with symptoms to book appointments at Orsett Heath car park.

Testing at the site is only available for those with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.