News in Thurrock

THE ongoing difference of opinion between Thurrock Council's portfolio for housing – and his opposition shadow postholder shows little sign of abating.

Over recent months Cabinet member Cllr Barry Johnson has been prominent across the borough as he supported a projected list of areas in the borough which might be suitable for possible social housing.

COUNCILLORS have called on authorities including Thurock Council and the police to get to grips with the blight of illegal lorry parking in South Ockendon.

Though opinion about the severity of the problem differs, with some councillors saying action is in place and enforcement has been effective, there appears a general consensus that more may have to be done to combat a rising problem.

THE environmental regeneration company managing the restoration of Little Belhus Country Park in South Ockendon has responded to concerns from local residents and councillors that vehicles attending the site are adding to traffic problems in the area.

Earlier today (Tuesday, 16 June) Thurrock Nub News reported on residents' concerns about the amount of damage being caused to roads and pathways by HGVs and the negative impact the amount of lorry traffic was having on local life.

Five new deaths have been recorded in Thurrock in the latest figures provided by the government.

The total number of people in the borough whose death is recorded as coronavirus-related now stands at 133. That figure was taken on 5 June.

PLANS have been unveiled for the reopening of Thurrock's six charity shops that support St Luke's Hospice.

The hospice head of retail, David Emery, has announced a staggered reopening, that begins with the opening of two outlets, the shop in South Walk, Pitsea and the warehouse based in the Basildon Business Centre, Bentalls, on Monday, 29 June.

THE number of people across Essex seeing a specialist for suspected cancer after an urgent GP referral is half what would normally be expected prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Soaring waiting lists and plummeting numbers of people receiving treatment show the "brutal impact" Covid-19 has had on the NHS.

THERE is rising concern about the welfare of a 36 year-old man who is missing from South Ockendon.

Steven Barclay was reported missing on 11 June but he was last about a week earlier at an address in South Road. Steven is described as white, 5ft 7ins tall slim, with cropped ginger hair.

POLICE are no longer looking for Terence Purkiss who they had wanted to speak to in connection with an incident where it was reported a vehicle was driven at an officer.

A 33 year-old man from Grays was arrested this morning (Tuesday, 16 June) on suspicion of GBH with intent and is currently in custody.

Three men are due to appear in court in August to face charges in connection with an attempted robbery in Grays.

It was reported a man was assaulted and an attempt was made to steal in moped in Lodge Lane at around 7.15pm on 21 November last year.

A CORRINGHAM D-I-Y shop is marking its return to business this weekend by signing up and joining the near 200 local traders and companies using Thurrock Nub News' FREE local listings service to promote its business.

But though the business is coming back after coronavirus, there will be changes, with one of its long-serving owners moving on.