News in Thurrock

GRAYS has a new Special Constable after the latest recruits to the Essex Police Force received their warrant cards.

David Kirby is one of eight officers who read an oath to serve at an attestation ceremony after completing their training.

DEVELOPERS, entrepreneurs and representatives of local authorities together with media representatives travelled from Tower Bridge today (Tuesday, 21 July) as part of the launch of the new Thames Estuary Growth project aimed at pumping billions into the regional economy.

It is a government-backed initiative aimed at opening up major projects along the estuary - with Thurrock earmarked to play a key role.

DETECTIVES are continuing an investigation after seizing five firearms during a raid on a Chadwell St Mary business premises where it was suspected cannabis was being grown.

And officers have praised local residents for their contribution to the investigation.

POLICE are appealing for information following the arrest of a man after an 11-year-old girl reported she was assaulted while in a play area in South Ockendon.

The girl reported that the man pushed her in the chest as she used a climbing frame in Darenth Lane between 5.15pm and 5.25pm on Sunday, 19 July.

THE new chairman of Thurrock Council's Lower Thames Crossing Task Force has blasted Highways England for the content and nature of its latest consultation programme in Thurrock.

Cllr Fraser Massey, an independent, non-aligned councillor from East Tilbury, was elected as new chair of the task force at last night's annual meeting. He succeeds Cllr Gerard Rice who in now the vice-chairman.

REACTION to yesterday's news that Thurrock-based Cruise and Maritime Voyages has gone into administration shows the shock and disappointment it has brought.

Members of the team based at the company's head office in Purfleet have taken to social media to comment and the Port of Tilbury, home port of several of the company's ships and where a number are currently berthed, has expressed its sympathy.

COUNCIL homes in the west of the borough are set for a major transformation after Thurrock Council confirmed work can start later this year on a refurbishment programme.

The work will take place on the housing blocks at Marine Court and River Court on the Garrison Estate, starting in September.

LOCAL bus operator Ensign has issued a warning to parents to take responsibility for their children's actions after its vehicles were victims of an attack last night (Monday, 20 July).

A statement from the company warns that it may have to take services of the road if problems continue.

THURROCK Council's litter team have been praised by a borough community stalwart.

Keith Harrington, who is one of the driving forces behind Little Thurrock's Community Forum, took to social media to say thanks for their support in keeping the area clean and helping complete a community call to action.

JUST days after its senior managers spoke optimistically about the future of the company – Purfleet-based Cruise and Maritime Voyages has gone into administration today.

The company, which owns six cruise ships and employs several thousand people – including staff at its headquarters off Stonehouse Lane, Purfleet, has been badly hit by the coronavirus situation and the complete cessation of trading.